The New York Rangers have been busy this offseason, and with just over three months until the 2026-27 NHL season begins, it's time to take a look at what their roster might look like. While much can still change, I'm going to offer my perspective on the team's projected lineup, taking into account recent trades and free-agent signings.
Goalies
The Rangers' goaltending situation is relatively straightforward. Igor Shesterkin is the clear-cut No. 1, and assuming he stays healthy, he should start at least 60-65 games. However, health is a concern, as Shesterkin's lower-body injury last season had a significant impact on the team's playoff hopes. The battle for the backup spot is between Dylan Garand and Joonas Korpisalo, with Korpisalo's acquisition from the Bruins adding an interesting dynamic. I predict the Rangers will keep Korpisalo as the backup and hope to send Garand to Hartford via waivers, allowing him to develop further.
Defensemen
On the blue line, the Rangers have a solid core. Adam Fox, Sean Durzi, and Braden Schneider form a strong right-side trio, with Schneider's future in question due to trade rumors and his pending arbitration. Vladislav Gavrikov and Marcus Pettersson will man the left side, with the latter expected to improve on his last season's struggles. First-round pick Alberts Smits and Drew Fortescue will get a chance in training camp, but I predict both will start the season in Hartford. Urho Vaakanainen will secure the seventh spot, with Vincent Iorio and Dennis Cholowski joining Scott Morrow in the minors.
Forwards
The Rangers' forward group is where the most changes have occurred. With Vincent Trocheck traded and Joe Veleno signed, the team is set down the middle. Mika Zibanejad and J.T. Miller will anchor the top line, with Pavel Dorofeyev's addition providing a much-needed scoring boost. Alexis Lafreniere, Gabe Perreault, and Oliver Bjorkstrand will fill out the top two lines, while Will Cuylle, Tye Kartye, Jaroslav Chmelar, Taylor Raddysh, and Matt Rempe will compete for spots in the bottom six. I predict the Rangers will carry 13 forwards, with Justin Dowling starting in Hartford and potentially joining the team if needed.
Projected Lineup
Here's how I see the Rangers' opening-night lineup shaping up:
- Perreault - Zibanejad - Lafreniere
- Dorofeyev - Miller - Bjorkstrand
- Cuylle - Laba - Kartye
- Raddysh - Veleno - Chmelar
- Gavrikov - Fox
- Pettersson - Durzi
- Robertson - Schneider
- Shesterkin
- Korpisalo
Extras
Rempe and Vaakanainen will be the extra forwards and defensemen, respectively, with the latter likely joining the minors.
In my opinion, the Rangers have made some smart moves this offseason, and I'm excited to see how they perform. While there are still questions and potential changes, I believe this roster has the potential to be a strong contender in the Eastern Conference. The team's depth and balance are impressive, and with a healthy Shesterkin in net, they could be a force to be reckoned with.
