New York Rangers Young Forwards Make a Push for the 2025-26 Season

The New York Rangers have long been a franchise built on veteran leadership and star power, but as the 2025-26 season unfolds, a new narrative is emerging from Madison Square Garden. The team’s young forwards are stepping up in meaningful ways, providing the depth and energy that championship contenders require. After a disappointing 2024-25 campaign that saw the Rangers miss the playoffs, the organization’s commitment to developing and trusting its younger talent has become not just a preference, but a necessity.

The contributions from players like Alexis Lafreniere, Will Cuylle, and emerging talents such as Noah Laba have injected fresh optimism into a lineup that desperately needed reinvention. These players represent more than just roster depth—they symbolize the Rangers’ ability to balance present competitiveness with future sustainability. Understanding how these young forwards are making their mark provides crucial insight into the team’s evolving identity and championship aspirations.

How Alexis Lafreniere is fulfilling his potential with the New York Rangers young forwards contributions

The former first overall pick has experienced a roller coaster journey in his NHL career, but recent performances suggest Alexis Lafreniere is finally finding consistency. After signing a seven-year contract extension following his career-best 2023-24 season of 28 goals and 58 points, Lafreniere’s production dipped to just 17 goals and 45 points in the 2024-25 campaign. The pressure mounted as questions about whether he could live up to his draft pedigree intensified across hockey media.

However, early in the current season, Lafreniere appears rejuvenated. After struggling through his first 14 games with only one goal, he erupted over a recent five-game stretch with three goals and six points. This resurgence coincided with his reunion with linemates Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck, a trio that has developed undeniable chemistry. The line’s dominance has been particularly evident in creating offensive zone time and generating high-danger scoring chances.

What makes Lafreniere’s contributions particularly valuable is his versatility. He can play both wings, provides a physical presence with 119 hits in the 2024-25 season, and has developed into a reliable two-way player. His ability to drive to the net and create chaos in front of opposing goaltenders complements Panarin’s playmaking brilliance perfectly. When this line clicks, the Rangers possess one of the most dangerous offensive trios in the Metropolitan Division.

The key to Lafreniere’s continued development lies in consistent ice time and stable linemates. Under previous coaching regimes, he occasionally found himself shuffled between lines or benched after mistakes. With new head coach Mike Sullivan emphasizing trust in young players, Lafreniere has the runway he needs to reach the elite level everyone envisioned when he was drafted. His recent hot streak suggests the breakout could be sustainable this time.

For the Rangers to maximize their investment in Lafreniere, they must continue to deploy him in situations where he can succeed. Playing alongside elite talent like Panarin while seeing power-play time has proven to be the formula. If he can maintain his current pace and avoid the prolonged slumps that plagued previous seasons, Lafreniere will be central to the New York Rangers young forwards contributions that drive the team back into playoff contention.

Will Cuylle’s physical style enhances New York Rangers young forwards contributions

Perhaps no young Rangers forward has made a more immediate impact than Will Cuylle, whose combination of size, skill, and sandpaper has made him indispensable. The 23-year-old emerged as a revelation in the 2024-25 season, posting 20 goals and 45 points while leading the entire team with 301 hits. His ability to play a power forward game while contributing offensively addresses a long-standing need for the Rangers—a player who can both score and impose his will physically.

Cuylle’s versatility has allowed coaching staff to deploy him in various situations. Initially, he worked his way into top-six minutes through sheer determination and consistent performance. When circumstances required, he seamlessly transitioned back to third-line duties, where he excelled against weaker competition. This adaptability makes him a luxury for any coach trying to manage lineup decisions and matchups throughout a long season.

The development of Cuylle’s power-play presence has opened new dimensions to his game. After the Rangers traded Chris Kreider during the offseason, the team lacked a true net-front presence on the man advantage. Cuylle filled that void admirably, recording two power-play goals in four games after being elevated to the top unit. His willingness to absorb punishment in front of the crease while screening goaltenders and tipping pucks has made New York’s power play more dangerous and difficult to defend.

What separates Cuylle from many young power forwards is his hockey IQ and puck skills. He’s not merely a physical presence—he processes the game quickly, makes smart decisions with the puck, and possesses a legitimate scoring touch. His plus-12 rating in 2024-25 demonstrates his effectiveness at both ends of the ice. According to The Hockey Writers, having a player of Cuylle’s caliber on the third line represents a luxury that contending teams covet.

As the current season progresses, Cuylle’s role in the New York Rangers young forwards contributions continues to expand. His physical play sets a tone that permeates through the lineup, reminding opponents that skill alone won’t be enough against this Rangers team. If he can build on last season’s breakout and approach 25-30 goals while maintaining his physical edge, Cuylle will cement himself as a cornerstone piece of the franchise’s future.

Noah Laba’s emergence adds depth to New York Rangers young forwards contributions

One of the most pleasant surprises for the Rangers has been the rapid development of Noah Laba, who earned his roster spot through an impressive training camp and has seized the opportunity with both hands. While his offensive numbers—three goals and six points in 18 games—don’t jump off the page, his overall impact on games has been undeniable. Laba plays with a pace and energy that elevates his linemates and creates momentum shifts.

Noah Laba’s impressive start with the Rangers showcases his ability to process the game at NHL speed. His greatest asset is his skating ability, which allows him to move the puck up the ice quickly and transition from defense to offense seamlessly. In today’s NHL, where speed and transition play dominate, Laba’s skill set fits perfectly with the modern game’s demands. He consistently makes the first pass out of the defensive zone and supports breakouts effectively.

Perhaps most impressively, Laba has earned trust in all situations despite his rookie status. The coaching staff has deployed him on the penalty kill, a responsibility rarely given to young forwards unless they demonstrate exceptional defensive awareness and positioning. When Vincent Trocheck missed 14 games with injury, Laba received a promotion to second-line center duties, a testament to the organization’s faith in his abilities. While he has since returned to third-line responsibilities, that experience accelerated his development immensely.

Laba’s two-way game has been particularly noteworthy. He doesn’t cheat for offense, consistently making responsible defensive plays and supporting his defensemen in coverage. His anticipation allows him to break up plays and create turnovers that lead to offensive opportunities. This defensive responsibility has become a calling card for successful Rangers forwards, and Laba’s embrace of this identity has endeared him to coaches and teammates alike.

The Rangers’ search for a reliable third-line center has been ongoing since Filip Chytil was traded, and Laba appears to be the solution. His ability to provide depth scoring, drive play through speed, and contribute defensively makes him the ideal bottom-six center. As he gains experience and confidence, the offensive production should increase, but even without gaudy point totals, Laba’s New York Rangers young forwards contributions have already proven valuable to the team’s success.

Brett Berard and Brennan Othmann await their opportunities with New York Rangers young forwards contributions

While players like Lafreniere, Cuylle, and Laba have secured regular roles, other promising young forwards remain on the periphery, waiting for their chance to make sustained contributions. Brett Berard showed flashes of his potential in 35 games during the 2024-25 season, recording six goals and four assists while averaging just 10:43 of ice time per game. His speed, forechecking ability, and willingness to drive the net made him noticeable whenever he stepped on the ice.

Berard’s situation epitomizes the challenges young Rangers forwards have historically faced: inconsistent ice time and quick benchings following mistakes. Despite playing well and providing energy, he often found himself scratched in favor of veterans who offered less dynamism but more familiarity. This pattern of development has hindered the Rangers’ ability to cultivate homegrown talent, as promising players never receive the sustained opportunity necessary to work through growing pains and establish themselves.

Brennan Othmann represents another intriguing prospect stuck in organizational limbo. In 22 games during the 2024-25 season, he managed just two assists while averaging under 10 minutes per game. Despite his lack of offensive production, he posted a plus-7 rating and displayed effectiveness on the forecheck. Like Berard, Othmann’s sporadic usage made it difficult for him to find any rhythm or confidence at the NHL level.

The frustration with how the Rangers have handled these prospects led to organizational soul-searching. Former head coach Peter Laviolette’s tendency to bench young forwards while giving veterans longer leashes—even when those veterans were making more egregious mistakes—sent problematic messages about the organization’s priorities. The decision to sign Gabriel Perreault to his entry-level contract with only eight games remaining in the 2024-25 season, then quickly benching him despite solid play, epitomized this dysfunction.

For the New York Rangers young forwards contributions to reach their full potential, the organization must commit to meaningful development opportunities. This means accepting that young players will make mistakes, providing them consistent ice time to work through challenges, and evaluating them on growth rather than expecting immediate perfection. Brett Berard and Brennan Othmann possess NHL-caliber talent; they simply need the chance to prove it without constantly looking over their shoulders.

Gabriel Perreault’s future impact on New York Rangers young forwards contributions

No young forward in the Rangers system carries more excitement and expectation than Gabriel Perreault, the team’s 2023 first-round pick (23rd overall) who has dominated at the collegiate level. After posting 19 goals and 41 assists as a freshman at Boston College, Perreault elevated his game even further as a sophomore, recording 16 goals and 32 assists in just 37 games. His offensive creativity, hockey sense, and playmaking ability have scouts projecting him as a future top-six NHL forward.

Perreault’s brief five-game NHL cameo at the end of the 2024-25 season left much to be desired—not because of his play, but due to how he was utilized. Starting in a top-six role, he was quickly demoted to the bottom six and then benched entirely. Averaging 14:26 in ice time per game and finishing without a point, Perreault never received a fair evaluation. The experience highlighted everything wrong with the Rangers’ previous approach to prospect development.

The 2025-26 season represents a critical juncture for Perreault’s development. Currently gaining momentum in the AHL with the Hartford Wolf Pack, he’s continuing to refine his game against professional competition. The question isn’t whether he possesses the skill to succeed in the NHL—his college production against older, stronger players answers that emphatically. The question is whether the Rangers will give him the runway to translate that skill to the highest level when the time comes.

What makes Perreault particularly exciting is his pure offensive instincts. He sees the ice at a different speed than most players, anticipating how plays will develop and positioning himself accordingly. His passing vision allows him to thread pucks through tight seams, creating scoring chances for linemates. While he may not possess the physical edge of a Will Cuylle or the raw speed of a Noah Laba, Perreault’s offensive creativity could make him the most impactful New York Rangers young forwards contribution in the coming years.

The Rangers must learn from past mistakes when Perreault eventually earns a permanent NHL roster spot. Players with his offensive talent shouldn’t be buried on fourth lines or benched after single turnovers. He needs to play with skilled linemates, receive power-play time, and be allowed to play through mistakes as all young offensive players must. If the organization handles his development properly, Perreault could become the type of game-breaking offensive forward the Rangers have lacked since their championship era.

Comparing New York Rangers young forwards contributions to other Metropolitan Division teams

When evaluating the Rangers’ youth movement, context matters. The Metropolitan Division features several teams effectively integrating young forwards into prominent roles, creating a competitive environment where player development directly impacts standings. The New Jersey Devils have built their resurgence around young stars like Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Dawson Mercer. The Carolina Hurricanes consistently graduate prospects into meaningful roles while remaining perennial contenders.

The Rangers’ historical approach contrasted sharply with these division rivals. While teams like New Jersey embraced youth and accepted growing pains as part of building sustainable success, the Rangers often prioritized veteran stability over development opportunities. This philosophy made sense during their brief championship window but has proven counterproductive during transitional periods. Young players need repetitions, mistakes, and coaching to develop—benching them after single errors stunts that growth.

Recent organizational changes suggest a philosophical shift. The hiring of Mike Sullivan, known for his work developing young players during Pittsburgh’s dynasty years, signals an acknowledgment that the old approach wasn’t working. Sullivan’s track record of trusting young talent and allowing them to play through mistakes could unlock the potential of players like Berard, Othmann, and eventually Perreault. This change couldn’t come at a better time, as the Rangers’ window with aging veterans narrows.

The Kreider trade’s impact on the Rangers created both challenges and opportunities for young forwards. Losing a veteran leader opened roster spots and minutes that young players can now fill. While Kreider’s leadership and production will be missed, his departure forces the organization to finally commit to its youth movement. Sometimes addition by subtraction applies when roster construction prevents younger, potentially better players from receiving opportunities.

For the New York Rangers young forwards contributions to match or exceed those of division rivals, the organization must maintain its newfound commitment to development. This means consistent ice time, sheltered but meaningful minutes, and patience when mistakes inevitably occur. The talent exists within the system—Lafreniere, Cuylle, Laba, Berard, Othmann, and Perreault all possess NHL ability. The question is whether the Rangers can create an environment where that talent flourishes rather than withers.

Statistical analysis of New York Rangers young forwards contributions

Numbers tell a compelling story about how young forwards are reshaping the Rangers’ identity. Will Cuylle’s 20 goals and 301 hits in 2024-25 represent exactly the type of dual-threat production modern teams covet. His 0.55 points per game as a 23-year-old projects favorably for continued growth, particularly given his increasing comfort at the NHL level. The plus-12 rating demonstrates his effectiveness in all situations, not just when piling up offensive statistics.

Alexis Lafreniere’s trajectory shows the importance of patience with high-pedigree prospects. His career-high 28 goals and 58 points in 2023-24 proved he possesses genuine offensive ability. The subsequent dip to 17 goals and 45 points represented regression, but context matters—the entire team underperformed, and Lafreniere dealt with lineup instability. His recent five-game surge (three goals, six points) suggests he’s finding the consistency that eluded him previously.

Noah Laba’s modest offensive totals (three goals, six points in 18 games) underscore that valuable contributions extend beyond just scoring. His 10:43 average ice time reflects his bottom-six role, yet the coaching staff trusted him enough to deploy him on the penalty kill and temporarily in top-nine minutes. As his offensive game catches up to his two-way responsibilities, Laba’s point production should increase proportionally.

Brett Berard’s small sample size (six goals, four assists in 35 games) makes drawing conclusions difficult, but his 0.29 points per game in limited minutes (10:43 average) shows promise. Extrapolated to 82 games with increased ice time, those numbers project to a 15-20 goal, 35-40 point player—valuable bottom-six production. His minus-6 rating reflects challenging deployment and inconsistent linemates rather than fundamental defensive deficiencies.

The statistical profile of New York Rangers young forwards contributions reveals a group poised for breakouts if given proper opportunities. None of these players have hit their ceilings yet—they’re all still developing and adjusting to the NHL’s speed and physicality. As they gain experience and confidence, their production should increase accordingly. The Rangers’ success over the next several seasons may ultimately depend on how many of these young forwards reach their potential simultaneously.

The evolution of the New York Rangers young forwards contributions represents more than just roster turnover—it signals a fundamental shift in organizational philosophy. After years of prioritizing veteran stability over development opportunities, the Rangers have finally embraced the necessary growing pains that come with building sustainable success. Players like Alexis Lafreniere, Will Cuylle, and Noah Laba aren’t just contributing now; they’re establishing themselves as core pieces of the franchise’s future.

The true test lies ahead. Can the Rangers maintain their commitment to youth development when the inevitable mistakes and slumps occur? Will talented prospects like Brett Berard, Brennan Othmann, and Gabriel Perreault receive the consistent opportunities required to reach their considerable potential? The answers to these questions will determine whether this promising young forward group becomes the foundation of the next great Rangers team or just another collection of “what could have been” stories. Based on recent organizational changes and early returns, there’s legitimate reason for optimism that this time will be different.