Rangers pivot into 2025-26 with a reshaped defense and a youth-forward surge. Kreider to Anaheim opened cap and lineup shifts, Miller to Carolina unsettled the blueline before Gavrikov’s arrival and Borgen’s extension. Lafreniere and Cuylle lead the young core as Morrow and Berard push for top-9 roles. If the defense stabilizes and the youngsters seize PP time, New York could mount a late playoff push behind Panarin, Zibanejad and Fox.