New York Rangers missed the 2025 playoffs amid a fractured season, with a volatile backdrop from front office chaos to on-ice discord. Mike Sullivan was brought in as head coach to steady the locker room, while big moves reshaped the roster: Kreider was dealt to Anaheim, Miller to Carolina, and Gavrikov signed to pair with Fox. Alexis Lafreniere looms as a potential hockey trade chip, setting up a high-stakes summer. The club eyes a claw-back playoff push in 2026 with a retooled core and clearer leadership.