New York Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan could end up benefiting from a late-season adjustment made by his predecessor, Peter Laviolette. In his final year with the team, Laviolette acting more out of necessity than innovation shifted Mika Zibanejad from center to right wing, pairing him with trade-deadline addition J.T. Miller. The move paid off: Zibanejad, who had struggled with just 29 points in 50 games before Miller’s arrival, racked up 33 points in 32 games afterward. The duo also showed far stronger advanced metrics together than apart, leaving Sullivan with both an opportunity and a challenge to address in the lineup.
Miller, Rempe Among Rangers Ready for Larger Roles in 2025-26
Despite the struggles of the 2024-25 season, the Rangers have reason for optimism heading into next year. Several players are positioned to make bigger contributions not just by bouncing back from disappointing campaigns, but also through natural progression, stability in their roles, or being elevated into greater responsibility. J.T. Miller and Matt Rempe are among those expected to take on increased importance as the team looks to turn the page in 2025-26.
