Othmann was called up from Hartford of the American Hockey League on Friday, hours after 6-foot-9 forward Matt Rempe was injured in a first-period fight with former Blueshirt Ryan Reaves during New York’s 6-5 overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks. He didn’t return and didn’t make the trip when the Rangers flew west to begin a road trip against Calgary Flames on Sunday.

The recall came after a lackluster preseason that saw Othmann assigned to the AHL ahead of Brett Berard and Gabe Perreault, offering reason to believe he had fallen behind them among the Rangers’ forward prospects.

Berard and Perreault are likely still rated higher at this juncture, but New York recalled Othmann from Hartford prior to the four-game Western trip.

UPDATE: Brennan Othmann has been recalled from the Hartford Wolf Pack.

— NY Rangers PR (@NYR_PR) October 24, 2025

Othmann scored one goal on seven shots in four preseason games while leading the Rangers with 15 penalty minutes. It’s been more of the same with the Wolf Pack, who were 1-3-0 with Othmann in the lineup and lost 3-0 to the Bridgeport Islanders without him on Friday. He had one assist and seven shots on goal through four games before the recall.

The Rangers’ first pick (No. 16 overall) in the 2021 draft got some extended NHL time during the latter stages of last season. He played 22 games from February to April but struggled to make an impact, failing to score a goal and finishing with two assists.

The Rangers are 3-4-2 entering their first long trip of the 2025-26 season, including an 0-4-1 start at Madison Square Garden — the first time they’ve failed to get a win in their first five home games since 1943-44.

It’s a complicated time for a once-heralded prospect to join the Blueshirts — though given the circumstances, it’s the move that makes the most sense.

Brennan Othmann profiles as best fit for the Rangers right now

Perreault would be the most exciting call-up, and the 20-year-old likely boasts the highest offensive ceiling of the three. But it’s become evident that the Rangers believe the No. 23 overall pick in 2023 could use more seasoning in the AHL after a going scoreless in a five-game NHL stint after signing with the Rangers in April.

That leaves Berard and Othmann as the two most sensible options. But while Berard was the more impressive of the two last season and lasted until the final cut at camp, Othmann could be what the Rangers need right now.

Berard left a strong first impression in 2024-25, displaying a high-energy, high-intensity style that makes him a natural fit in New York’s bottom-six forward group. The only problem is, the Rangers are getting plenty of that already.

At 5-foot-9, Berard’s game is fairly similar to that of 5-foot-8 veteran Conor Sheary, albeit with more upside at just 23 years old. But in this day and age, carrying two forwards that small is unusual.

Berard scored six goals in 35 NHL games last season, but he’s off to a less-than-ideal start in the AHL this season — with no points and a minus-5 rating. Granted, few players are shining on a Wolf Pack squad that’s struggled mightily through five games, but it’s not as if Berard had thoroughly outplayed Othmann to earn a call-up.

What the Rangers most desperately need is some help in their top six, especially with center Vincent Trocheck still out with an upper-body injury. The Rangers have had plenty of scoring chances but have struggled to turn those opportunities into goals, especially at home.

Rangers would love to improve Brennan Othmann’s trade value

Othmann has no goals on 26 shots on goal in the NHL, so bringing him up to boost the offense may not sound like the best of plans. Admittedly, the odds of him magically becoming a consistent goal-scorer don’t appear to be high. But if coach Mike Sullivan is looking for a young spark who could theoretically plug into the top six — and Perreault is off the table — Othmann’s offensive ceiling trumps that of Berard.

Assuming Rempe will be out for a bit, it’s worth at least seeing if Othmann can give the Rangers another scoring option.

But there could be more behind the callup than meets the eye. On Oct. 16, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that Othmann was drawing interest from teams around the League.

Brennan Othmann:https://t.co/WyQAkmdUKY

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) October 16, 2025

Vince Mercogliano of The Athletic corroborated this report on Thursday.

“The Rangers have reached a point with Othmann where they are open to the idea of trading him,” Mercogliano said on his podcast, The Flying V. “It really sounds like any of the young wingers, they are open to the idea of trading, except for Perreault.”

Othmann is two years removed from a 21-goal season in the AHL and four years removed from a 50-goal, 97-point performance in the OHL. His value is no longer at the level that made him the top prospect in New York’s system.

Injury derailed his 2024-25 season in Hartford, and after an underwhelming showing in the NHL, the clock is ticking for a player who turns 23 on Jan. 5.

Brennan Othmann is one of the first to take the ice here in Calgary. #NYR pic.twitter.com/gCHJCh6mXE

— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) October 25, 2025

Look no further than forward Vitali Kravtsov, the No. 9 overall pick in 2018, or defenseman Zac Jones, their 2019 third-round pick. Both were heralded prospects who the Rangers held on to even after their development stalled — ultimately netting little to no value.

The Blueshirts traded Kravtsov to the Vancouver Canucks in 2023, receiving a 2026 seventh-rounder and a player, William Lockwood, who they released at the conclusion of the season. Jones wasn’t tendered a qualifying offer after last season and signed with the Buffalo Sabres; he’s currently with their AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans.

It would be a shame to see Othmann follow a similar path, and the Rangers can ill-afford yet another first-round total misfire to go along with Kravtsov and Lias Andersson (No. 7 overall in 2017).

Othmann said after practice Saturday he’s keying on playing, not trade talk.

“I can’t really focus really on that stuff,” he said. “That stuff’s really all online, and I don’t know what’s true. I don’t know what’s false. I’ve just been super focused with Hartford and trying to get back up here.

“I mean, it’s no secret. A couple of the guys in Hartford were asking me and telling me about it, but I honestly was just playing hockey and taking each day, day by day. Keep moving forward and focusing on getting back here and playing at the NHL level at some point this year. I think I did a good job with it.”

If nothing else, giving Othmann another chance to play in the NHL could let them showcase him for potential suitors. With his entry-level contract expiring after this season, general manager Chris Drury is running out of time to salvage any meaningful trade value. While Othmann won’t command the same return he might have several years ago, a strong showing could be enough to net the Rangers something more than a mid- or late-round draft pick.

Should Othmann draw into the lineup on a regular basis, he’ll have the opportunity to earn an NHL role — whether in New York or elsewhere.

The 2024-25 campaign was an all-timer, for sure. Just for all the wrong reasons, though. If it could go wrong — on or off the ice — it did a year ago. From general manager Chris Drury completely misreading the room, to Peter Laviolette not having any answers for the team-wide faceplant, to trades and roster upheaval and poor effort and simply putrid play … well, we could go on, but you get the idea.

It was a complete mess for the Rangers last season.

But now there’s a new coach, a new captain and an apparent fresh start that’s embraced by everyone from Drury on down through the organization. “No BS” is their motto.

The Mike Sullivan bump, a full season of J.T. Miller leading the way with his no-nonsense approach, and expected bounce backs by key players should be enough to vault the Rangers back into the mix this season. Remember, as bad as the Rangers were in 2024-25 (39-36-7; 85 points), they missed the postseason by just six points.

Rangers season preview: Path to success

Of course, they’ll need to start — and finish — games better this season. In fact, sprinkling in more than a handful of complete 60-minute efforts should go a long way because those were few and far between last season.

Sullivan, a former Rangers assistant, and Miller, a 2011 first-round pick by the Rangers, aren’t the only old faces back in the organization. David Quinn, fired as Rangers coach four years ago in Drury’s first major move as GM, returns as Sullivan’s assistant.

Quinn is in charge of the power play and the defensemen — two of the club’s biggest areas of weakness last season. The Rangers dropped to 28th in the League on the power play (17.6 percent) and 19th in team defense (3.11 goals allowed per game) in 2024-25. They were third on the power play the season in 2023-24 (26.4 percent) and seventh in team defense (2.76 GAA).

The power play grew stale last season but returns the same PP1 unit — minus Chris Kreider. Perhaps Quinn will work in a new wrinkle or two. More TOI for the second unit — with Will Cuylle, Alexis Lafreniere, Braden Schneider, Conor Sheary, and Matt Rempe (!) to start the season — would be a novel approach.

Vladislav Gavrikov scores his first preseason goal as a @NYRangers shorthanded!@KennyAlbert | #NYR pic.twitter.com/W3bub121Ph

— Rangers on MSG (@RangersMSGN) September 24, 2025

The addition of Vladislav Gavrikov bolsters the defense corps and should free up Adam Fox to do his thing offensively at 5v5; each is a major positive. If Igor Shesterkin doesn’t face the most shots in the League this season playing behind a Keystone Cops defense — minus the laugh track — there’s a good bet he’ll return to form as one of — if not the — best goalies in the NHL.

In a season of retribution for the Rangers, rebounds by Shesterkin, Fox, Lafreniere, Carson Soucy, Jonathan Quick, and (especially) Mika Zibanejad are paramount. Cuylle must take the next step as a top-six forward after his first 20-goal season, and breakouts from Noah Laba, Schneider, Rempe, and Juuso Parssinen would be most welcome.

Noah Laba scores the overtime winner as he continues to impress in his preseason with the Rangers.@NYRangers | #NYR pic.twitter.com/bPYXvo61EM

— Rangers on MSG (@RangersMSGN) September 30, 2025

Vincent Trocheck? He just needs to keep doing all that he does. Trocheck is an invaluable two-way player for the Rangers — one of the best face-off men in the League and an important member of the leadership group.

Keep an eye on the kids. Laba, Gabe Perreault, and Scott Morrow were the talk of training camp. Even though the latter two begin the season with Hartford of the American Hockey League — as are Brennan Othmann and Brett Berard — there’s a good chance that the youngsters will get a chance to contribute with the big club a some point this season. The improved depth in New York and Hartford this season is a big plus.

Rangers season preview: Red flags ahead of centennial campaign

There are concerns for the Rangers heading into their centennial season, though. Their forward group is top heavy, and most of those key players are age 32 or older. Artemi Panarin, who turns 34 in late October and is the Rangers’ most consistent and dynamic offensive threat, missed all of the preseason with a pair of injuries. Miller, 32, sustained a non-contact lower-body injury in camp and played just one preseason game. Zibanejad is also 32, and his production slipped significantly the past two seasons.

The defense corps doesn’t inspire a lot of faith after the top pair of Gavrikov and Fox. Schneider is a key here. The 24-year-old had surgery to repair a torn labrum and is a full go, hopefully to return to his physical “Baby Trouba” style of play, with more minutes promised by Sullivan. The Rangers are also banking on Urho Vaakanainen being a sleeper — overlooked by many but a consistent regular contributor on the back end. They also hope steady Will Borgen can bring out the best in Soucy, his defense partner back in their days together with the Seattle Kraken.

They say old habits die hard, so the Rangers must hope that their third-period failures during the preseason are not a carryover from last season. If so, they’re in trouble. The Rangers were outscored 10-0 in the third periods in the their first five preseason games, and blew three third-period leads, including two multi-goal leads. Of course, neither Shesterkin nor Quick was in goal for any of those meltdowns, but it’s worth watching to see if this trend becomes an uncomfortable fixture in the regular season.

Forever Blueshirts staff predictions for Rangers in 2025-26 season

Jim Cerny – Executive Editor

Rangers: 3rd in Metro; 6th in Eastern Conference; Lose second round of Stanley Cup Playoffs

It’s not always going to be pretty, but the Rangers will be far steadier this season than a year ago. Minus the off-ice drama, the Rangers should settle in to play a more consistent game under Sullivan. It’s a somewhat flawed roster, but there’s still plenty of talent on it. A more successful power play, combined with Shesterkin’s brilliance between the pipes again, will be at the heart of New York’s success. Gavrikov will greatly impact the Rangers on the back end, where they needed the most help. Fox should thrive with Gavrikov as his steady partner at 5v5, and the kids will provide a spark when called on. The Metro is a good — not great — division. The Rangers will eke out a spot in the division’s top three and win a round in the postseason, before the Carolina Hurricanes finally get over the hump and defeat them in Round 2.

Metro champion: Hurricanes

Stanley Cup champion: Stars defeat Hurricanes

Rangers MVP: Igor Shesterkin

NHL MVP: Connor McDavid

John Kreiser — Senior Writer

Rangers: 4th in Metro; 9th in Eastern Conference; Miss Stanley Cup Playoffs

The playoff pickings are pretty slim for the Rangers. The Hurricanes are loaded and will likely outlast the New Jersey Devils for first in the Metropolitan Division. The Atlantic Division is a lot stronger than the Metro, and as was the case last season, should be home to the two wild cards (likely from among the Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens and Detroit Red Wings). The two-time defending champion Florida Panthers should have enough to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs despite missing star center Aleksander Barkov for the whole season with a knee injury. The Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs should also make the top three in the division.

Bringing in Sullivan behind the bench will help the Rangers; his defensive system seems a much better fit than Laviolette’s. Shesterkin is an elite goaltender, Fox is a top-five defenseman and the top two lines have plenty of firepower (assuming Panarin and Miller are healthy). The Rangers are better than the two Pennsylvania teams and (probably) the Islanders. But to get into the playoffs, they’ll also have to be better than the defending division champion Washington Capitals and the young-but-talented Columbus Blue Jackets, who finished ahead of them last season. It’s not impossible, but it won’t be easy.

Metro champion: Hurricanes

Stanley Cup champion: Golden Knights defeat Hurricanes

Rangers MVP: Igor Shesterkin

NHL MVP: Cale Makar

Tom Castro — Staff Writer

Rangers: 3rd in Metro; 8th in Eastern Conference; Lose first round of Stanley Cup Playoffs

There’s every reason to believe the Rangers will be better this season after last season’s crash from Presidents’ Trophy winners in 2023-24 to missing the playoffs. Sullivan, Drury’s long-sought-after coach, is a difference-maker behind the bench, and he’ll inherit what should be a much better mood in the dressing room than what the Blueshirts experienced a year ago. A full season with Miller, the newly-minted captain, setting a more physical, no-nonsense tone should also help, especially if he can continue to bring the best out of expected linemate Zibanejad. The defense also has a chance to perform at a higher level thanks to the addition of Gavrikov. The Rangers are counting on a return to elite form from Fox, with whom Gavrikov is expected to pair. The roster, however, remains flawed, with significant doubt surrounding the third line in particular. If Shesterkin can also improve his performance after playing at least somewhat below his usual lofty standards last season, and Sullivan and his staff can tighten up the team defense, the Rangers should be back in the playoffs, even if they’re not the Stanley Cup contenders of two seasons ago.

Metro champion: Hurricanes

Stanley Cup champion: Stars defeat Lightning

Rangers MVP: Igor Shesterkin

NHL MVP: Connor McDavid

Lou Orlando — Staff Writer

Rangers: 3rd in Metro; 5th in Eastern Conference; Lose Eastern Conference Final

Over the last decade, the Rangers have a pretty good track record during the inaugural season of a new coach. I expect that to continue as Sullivan takes the helm and introduces a fresh system to a familiar core. New York will return to the postseason, clinching a top-three spot in the Metro. While I don’t have the Rangers vying for the Presidents’ Trophy, a full season of Miller and a Norris Trophy-winning campaign from Fox will ensure a bounce back from the massive disappointment last season. It could be an uneven product to start, but the injection of some young blood into the lineup — including Laba — will be enough of a spark to fuel a strong second half. A Stanley Cup championship is a long shot, but I can see the Blueshirts knocking off their Metro rivals to reach the Eastern Conference Final for the third time in five seasons.

Metro champion: Hurricanes

Stanley Cup champion: Stars defeat Panthers

Rangers MVP: Adam Fox

NHL MVP: Kirill Kaprizov

Jennifer O’Regan — Features Writer

Rangers: 4th in Metro; 7th in Eastern Conference; Lose second round of Stanley Cup Playoffs

I believe the Rangers are set up to claw their way back into serious playoff contention in 2025–26. The question is whether they can stabilize around a core that underperformed last season. Shesterkin’s rebound is nonnegotiable — if he returns to form, the ceiling rises fast. The offense still has upside, especially if Cuylle continues to grow into a full-time top-six role. The defense, now bolstered by Gavrikov, needs to sustain structure in Sullivan’s system. If all those pieces click, I see New York not just sneaking in as a wild card but possibly winning a round in the postseason. However, there’s no room for sloppy nights or mental lapses. In a loaded Metro, the margin for error is razor-thin.

Metro champion: Hurricanes

Stanley Cup champion: Avalanche defeat Panthers

Rangers MVP: Will Cuylle

NHL MVP: Connor McDavid

One day before the start of the 2025-26 season, the three-time Hart Trophy winner re-upped with the Edmonton Oilers on a two-year contract extension worth $12.5 million annually. After leading the Oilers to back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances but falling both times to the Florida Panthers, McDavid is keeping the championship window open in Edmonton for at least another three seasons, inking a team-friendly deal that reinforces his promise to bring a championship to the city of Edmonton.

Connor McDavid extension: 2x$12.5M AAV

Wow!

Oilers captain extends the runway to make good on his promise to bring the Stanley Cup to Edmonton, and leaves a pile of money on the table to do it

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) October 6, 2025

He’s just the latest superstar to sign an extension ahead of the upcoming offseason, following winger Kaprill Kaprizov, who signed an NHL-record 8-year, $17 million average annual value (AAV) deal on September 30 to stay with the Minnesota Wild.

That wave has only continued one day into the 2025-26 season, with Kyle Connor signing the richest contract in Winnipeg Jets history — eight years for $96 million — while Jack Eichel put pen to paper on an eight-year, $13.5 million AAV deal with the Vegas Golden Knights.

Both were long-shot targets for the Rangers next summer. Instead, New York is left staring at an upcoming free agent class that’s boasting less star power with every day.

McDavid was set to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) at the close of the 2025-26 season. Though he expressed desire to remain with the Oilers, the Rangers seemed well-positioned to scoop up the future Hall of Famer if he ever reached the open market.

The Rangers have the requisite salary cap space to make a splash next offseason with Artemi Panarin’s $11.6 million AAV contract coming off the books. At the very top of the wish list was McDavid, who’s surpassed the 100-point mark in eight of the past nine seasons, leading the League five times.

While the prospect of a McDavid-Rangers union isn’t completely dead, as the 28-year-old will become a free agent once again after the 2027-28 season, it certainly takes a little luster away from a 2025-26 offseason that could be transformational for New York — if they play their cards right.

Here’s who the Rangers can still target with McDavid off the table.

Related: Rangers prospect Scott Morrow gets massive compliment: ‘Jack Eichel of the blue line’ in college

Martin Necas (Colorado Avalanche) — UFA

There isn’t another McDavid, or even another Eichel, in this upcoming free agent class. But Martin Necas might be the next best thing — and his future with the Colorado Avalanche is far less certain.

After they were unable to come to terms on an extension with Mikko Rantanen last season, the Avalanche flipped the star winger to the Carolina Hurricanes for a package headlined by Necas. The 26-year-old wing will play out the final season of a two-year, $6.5 million AAV deal before entering free agency next summer, when he’s due for a sizeable pay raise.

Whether it’s via midseason trade, a la Rantanen, or offseason negotiations, the Rangers could make a compelling suitor. After watching him suit up with their Metropolitan Division rivals for the better part of eight years, New York is well-versed in his game.

Necas is a talented offensive threat capable of playing both center and wing, and fresh off a career-high 83-point campaign. A capable scorer and playmaker, he’d be an exciting addition and would afford the Rangers similar lineup flexibility to that of J.T. Miller. He may not be in the same elite tier as McDavid or Eichel, but it would still be a big splash that gives the Blueshirts a versatile piece in their top six.

Artemi Panarin (New York Rangers) — UFA

Sometimes a shiny new toy can be more exciting than a familiar face, but it’s very possible that New York’s biggest move next offseason is simply re-signing Panarin.

Arguably the most successful free-agent signing in Rangers history, Panarin’s game has aged gracefully into his age-34 season. The Russian winger paced the Rangers in scoring each season since he signed a seven-year, $81.5 million contract in the summer of 2019, and there’s no reason to think 2025-26 will be any different.

Panarin becomes a UFA at season’s end. Drury and the Rangers wisely remained conservative with their negotiations until the free agent class becomes more transparent, but Panarin could very well be one of the top options come July of 2026.

That said, he’s not without detractors. Beyond the typical concerns that come with an aging forward, Panarin hasn’t been able to carry his dominant offensive pace into the postseason during his tenure in New York. Still, if the Rangers can land him on a cheaper deal, it may be worth pursuing. Plus, given the recent wave of extensions, they might not have much of a choice.

Related: Artemi Panarin turns down Rangers’ team-friendly proposal: report

Adrian Kempe (Los Angeles Kings) — UFA

If the Rangers seek a younger replacement for Panarin, Los Angeles Kings winger Adrian Kempe could be high on their list. The 29-year-old tallied 30-plus goals in three of the past four seasons and comes off a brilliant postseason campaign, notching four goals and 10 points in just five contests.

He’ll likely cost more than a mid-30s Panarin — that is, if the Kings even let him reach free agency. Kempe hasn’t yet eclipsed the 80-point mark in his nine-year NHL career, but he’s a proven goal scorer with a strong postseason resume.

Jason Robertson (Dallas Stars) — RFA

A lot would have to go right for the Rangers to have a crack at signing Jason Robertson, who will become a restricted free agent (RFA) after the 2025-26 season. But if a lane opened, he’s a player worth throwing the kitchen sink at.

The 26-year-old winger is a two-time 40-goal scorer, with career highs of 46 goals and 109 points in the 2022-23 season. He’s a clear-cut top-line winger with one of the sharpest shots in the League.

The Dallas Stars own exclusive negotiating rights and expressed interest in retaining one of their best young players. One thing working in New York’s favor, as well as any other potential suitor, is Dallas’ current cap situation. The Stars have already issued a slew of major long-term deals to Rantanen, Roope Hintz, Wyatt Johnston, Miro Heiskanen, and Jake Oettinger — and Robertson might end up commanding the most expensive deal yet.

If Dallas entertains sign-and-trade offers, it won’t come cheaply. It’s hard to fathom the Rangers obtaining Robertson without having to give up Alexis Lafreniere, Gabe Perreault, and more. Then again, you’d be lucky if either Lafreniere or Perreault match the success that Robertson has in the NHL already.

This isn’t a surprise. That’s not Drury’s style. Mum’s the word is his preferred modus operandi.

And, to be honest, that’s exactly what you want from your GM. Let him work quietly behind closed doors. Very little good comes from bringing strategy or negotiations out into the open for everyone to know.

But you can’t blame reporters for asking, of course. We have a job to do, too.

“As far as the contract stuff … I don’t get into negotiations publicly,” Drury explained. “Any conversations I have with Artemi or his representation will stay that way, just private between me and him.”

So, we have no idea if the sides are talking about an extension. The 33-year-old forward is eligible for one now, with one season remaining on his seven-year, $81.5 million contract.

Behind the scenes look at Sam Rosen and John Davidson calling Artemi Panarin’s 300th career goal during their final ride together in the booth ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/fewdcJXNrL

— NHLonTNT (@NHL_On_TNT) April 10, 2025

It’s a huge decision for the Rangers. Panarin’s led them in scoring each of his first six seasons on Broadway. He had 37 goals and 89 points last season. The year before, Panarin scored a career-high 49 goals and his 120 points were second most in Rangers history.

Panarin will be 34 next summer. But if he continues to produce this way, he’s going to command major bucks and a serious commitment late into his 30s.

We don’t know what Drury thinks about all that. But we do know the GM is well aware of how important Panarin is to this organization. There’s no player on the roster or in the Rangers pipeline that comes close to what Panarin brings offensively.

“I’ve said many times on record what I think of him as a player and he’s a huge piece of our team and our organization,” Drury said. “He doesn’t appear to me to be slowing down. He takes the offseason serious, he looks like he’s in great shape and ready to go.”

New coach Mike Sullivan called Panarin a “game-breaker” on Wednesday. Panarin’s recorded 550 points in the past six seasons. Only Connor McDavid (710), Leon Draisaitl (644), and Nathan MacKinnon (633) have more in that time frame. You better believe Sully wants Panarin to stick around.

For what it’s worth, Larry Brooks reported this in the New York Post on Thursday: “There is always chatter, and when it concerns Panarin there is some credible chatter from longtime sources. And that is that the Rangers should not expect No. 10 to sign up anytime soon — or perhaps anytime at all — for a hometown discount.”

As for Panarin, he shed little light on his contract situation following practice Thursday morning. Nor did he seem overly concerned about it.

“That’s obviously good for everyone, security,” Panarin told Mollie Walker of The Post. “It’s not [my] first year in hockey, so I’m used to it, being in that situation. Not every year. It is what it is right now. Not [complaining] about that. I’m ready to work hard.”

Drury’s not saying anything on the subject. But it’s a massive pending decision on his part, one that will dramatically affect the course of the Rangers future one way or another.

New York Rangers news and analysis

Here’s an analysis of how Drury learned from past mistakes and appears to be a better leader and GM these days than a year ago.

Sullivan answered a lot of questions Wednesday. Here are a few important nuggets to take away from what the coach said about the Rangers lineup and culture.

Drury and Sullivan explained why they chose J.T. Miller to be Rangers captain. Some good stuff here on their process and what makes J.T. the right leader for this team.

The Rangers hit the ice for the first on-ice sessions at training camp Thursday. Here’s a breakdown of their 61-man roster.

The Rangers are taking a cautious approach with Braden Schneider in training camp, following his offseason shoulder surgery. Here’s the Rangers plan for the 23-year-old defenseman.

There’s a definite Rangers feel to the USA Hockey coaching staff for the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics. Sullivan, of course, is the head coach. His top Rangers assistant, David Quinn, and former Blueshirts coach John Tortorella were named to Team USA’s staff Wednesday, as was Minnesota Wild coach John Hynes.

NHL news and rumors

NHL.com: Matthew Tkachuk will miss the start of the season with a lower-body injury and likely won’t return until December to the Florida Panthers lineup.

Sportsnet: Goalie Anthony Stolarz said that he’d like a contract extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs “as soon as possible.”

Colorado Hockey Now: The Avalanche are dealing with several key injuries. Goalie Mackenzie Blackwood and defenseman Samuel Girard will miss much of training camp, but could be ready to play by opening night. Forward Logan O’Connor had offseason hip surgery and won’t be able to play until November.

TSN: Calgary Flames captain Mikael Backlund signed a two-year, $6.5 million extension to remain with the club through the 2027-28 season.

Boston.com: The Bruins open training camp without star forward David Pastrnak on the ice. Pasta is dealing with some tendonitis and will skip at least the first few days of practice.

Sportsnet: Max Domi could very well open the season on a line with Auston Matthews. But first the Maple Leafs forward must get healthy. He’s going to miss the first few days of camp with a lower-body injury, after “tweaking” something in offseason training.

TSN: Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nick Paul is out until November following lower-body surgery last week.

The Hockey News: Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will miss the start of Buffalo Sabres training camp with a lower-body injury. But general manager Kevyn Adams said Luukkonen should be back “sooner rather than later.”

ESPN: The Chicago Blackhawks signed defenseman Wyatt Kaiser, who was an RFA, to a two-year, $3.4 million contract.

Sportsnet: The Utah Mammoth plan to place goalie Connor Ingram on waivers so that he can catch on with another team. Ingram mutually agreed to part ways with the team after he spent time in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.

Daily Faceoff: Nathan Walker signed a two-year contract extension to remain with the St. Louis Blues.

That’s not to say Sullivan and his coaching staff (which includes former Rangers bench boss David Quinn) have been sitting around doing nothing since the two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Pittsburgh Penguins was hired 4 ½ months ago. He’s been playing “getting to know you” with players he’s spent the past few seasons coaching against.

Sullivan coached three of the Rangers’ most important players, defenseman Adam Fox and centers Vincent Trocheck and J.T. Miller, in his role as bench boss for Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February. But he’s spent much of the time since his hiring working to build relationships with the rest of his team

“I think it starts with communication … just the time and effort he’s put in to get to know these players,” general manager Chris Drury said Wednesday when he and Sullivan met the media. “He had a few of them at 4 Nations obviously. But just giving the group, including his staff, the chance to hit the ground running by relationship-building during the summer — different travels here and there to get to know players; as he said, it was time well spent. I think it’s going to give us a chance to get off to a good start in training camp.”

Here are three things we learned from Sullivan on Day 1 of training camp.

Related: New Rangers captain J.T. Miller leads by example, ‘drags people into it’: GM says

1. Mika Zibanejad will start camp on right wing with J.T. Miller

Perhaps the most important visit Sullivan made after his hiring was a trip to Sweden to meet with Mika Zibanejad, a career-long center whose game perked up in the last third of the season when he was shifted to right wing on a line with center J.T. Miller, who was acquired from the Vancouver Canucks on Jan. 31 and named the 29th captain in Rangers history on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old had 29 points (nine goals, 20 assists) through his first 50 games, then put up 33 (11 goals, 22 assists) in the final 32 games after Miller was acquired from Vancouver. They produced a 52.14 percent xGF across 259:15 minutes at 5-on-5 together, according to Natural Stat Trick.

Sullivan said he doesn’t plan to tinker with something that worked well.

“I would envision Mika starting the season in the top six on the wing,” he told the media. “In my conversations with Mika during the offseason, he expressed to me the chemistry he felt he built with J.T. J.T. expressed the same thing. I think these guys are important guys for our team, so common sense would suggest maybe that we start there and see if that’s the best interest of the group.”

Getting to know Zibanejad away from the rink was something Sullivan was focused on.

“I know how good he can be, and my hope in going to see him was to get to know him a little bit, to give him a chance to get to know me,” he said. “I could share some of my intentions going into this season as the head coach and how I was going to approach this opportunity we have in front of us to reiterate to him the importance of building (a) relationship and a partnership with the players. That’s so essential in today’s game, and I felt that we accomplished all of those things by going over to see him in Sweden.

“It was a great trip. I got to meet his family, and I think those things are important – to get to know people. We had great conversations over there. I wouldn’t have known some of the things I know now if I didn’t go – for example, the relationship and the chemistry he felt he had with J.T.”

2. Which wing will Alexis Lafreniere play?

Lafreniere was one of the Rangers’ biggest disappointments last season. After posting career highs of 28 goals and 57 points in 2023-24 and getting off to a fast start last season (eight points in his first eight games), the first player taken in the 2020 NHL Draft signed a seven-year contract extension – and promptly saw his scoring numbers fall off a cliff. He finished with 45 points (17 goals, 28 assists).

Lafreniere thrived in 2023-24 playing on right wing, his off side, with Artemi Panarin on left wing and Vincent Trocheck in the middle. But with Chris Kreider gone after a trade to the Anaheim Ducks in June, Sullivan was asked if Lafreniere could go back to the left side.

“I would envision us exploring combinations with respect to the top six,” he said. “You may see ‘Laf’ on both sides, and we’ll figure out through that process what combinations give us the best chance to succeed. That’s an interesting discussion, playing the off side vs. playing the strong side in today’s game. I’ve always been a strong believer with the way the game is played that wings are at an advantage playing their off side because of how hard teams pinch the walls, and going down on that puck on your forehand gives you an advantage.

“But having said that, I think it’s personal to players. Some players feel more comfortable at different spots. I think [Lafreniere] has the ability to play both [wings]. We’ll try to figure that out based on what the combinations look like. … to see what’s in his best interest to set him up for success, but also the team. It’s that balance that we’re going to try to look for. I think players, for whatever reason, have certain comfort level playing on certain sides. I personally think in today’s game that wings are better off playing their off side.”

3. Training camp objectives

It’s no secret that last season was one of the most disappointing in Rangers history — they went from Presidents’ Trophy winners in 2023-24 to playoff outsiders last season. Drury fired coach Peter Laviolette, hired fellow Boston University alum Sullivan and revamped the coaching staff and front office.

Sullivan said he and Drury agreed that the new coach had to get to know as many as his players as possible before they arrived at training camp.

“I think what went into it was what we discussed when Chris and I talked and I joined the Rangers,” Sullivan said. “We just talked about the group, and I felt it was important that I started building relationships with, in particular, the leadership to start with.”

Getting to know his players is important, but it’s not the only thing Sullivan said wants to accomplish at camp and during the six preseason games before the Rangers open the regular season against his former team, the Pittsburgh Penguins, on Oct. 7.

“I so look forward to the opportunity to get on the ice with these guys.”

Sully officially opens the 2025-26 season: https://t.co/aRKtb52G1J pic.twitter.com/lDjKb9EqG6

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 17, 2025

“I think we have certain objectives when we go into a training camp, that we’re trying to accomplish certain things. I think the most important thing is that we just had this conversation with the players,” he said. “We’re going to take each day as it comes, and we’re going to try to get better every day. We’ve got to become a better version of ourself every day, and all of us have a responsibility and we’ve got to take ownership of that.

“I look at training camp as parallel objectives. We’re going to try to give players an opportunity to show what they can do. We’re going to assess the group and what we have so we can try to make the best decisions, to put the best lineup on the ice on opening night. … I think it’s important that we push each other every day to be at our best. We want to become a better version of ourself every single day.”

And it’s crystal clear that general manager Chris Drury believes he and coach Mike Sullivan picked the right guy to wear the C. Just as Drury believed Miller was the perfect player to foster needed change on the ice and in the Rangers dressing room when they landed him in a trade with the Vancouver Canucks last January.

“He goes over the boards looking to get into the fight, and he drags people into it,” Drury explained Wednesday at the start of training camp. “That’s what we need.”

The 29th captain in #NYR history: J.T. Miller.

Details: https://t.co/l7UuXpvIK7 pic.twitter.com/J4ccP1tJRJ

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 16, 2025

The Rangers were without a captain and in the midst of one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history when Miller arrived Jan. 31. Jacob Trouba had been traded to the Anaheim Ducks six weeks earlier, with no replacement named to wear the C.

Even with Miller recording 35 points (13 goals, 22 assists) in 32 games down the stretch and playing with his typical fire and snarl, the Rangers missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in four seasons.

J.T. Miller with a rip to start your Tuesday off right! 😤🚨🔥#NYR pic.twitter.com/h76Hg4tpmr

— Jennifer O'Regan (@Jenny_ORegan) August 12, 2025

Miller’s leadership the final final three months of the season was quite evident, though. That doesn’t mean it was a quick and easy decision to name him captain. Sullivan and Drury did their due diligence this summer

“Chris and I went through an extensive process in making this decision,” Sullivan stated firmly. “This wasn’t something that was made off the cuff. This was an important decision for our group.”

Drury said that he and the new coach agreed having a captain was important for the Rangers. But they weren’t going to force the issue

“If we didn’t have the right person, we just weren’t going to name anybody just to say we have a C,” the GM explained. “We felt like we had a lot of good choices and J.T. rose to the top of that list for us and we’re thrilled to have him as our captain.”

Related: ‘You can’t go wrong’ with J.T. Miller as Rangers captain: Brennan Othmann

Rangers coach and GM on same page with decision to name J.T. Miller captain

The Rangers hierarchy also was in agreement that having the captaincy question hanging over Sullivan’s first camp with the Rangers made no sense. So, they decided to make their choice and announce it before training camp started.

“We thought it was perfect time to do it, obviously, right before the start of camp, and didn’t really have any interest in starting camp without one,” Drury said. “We obviously thought he was a terrific choice, just the way he he prepares, he plays, how hard he competes.”

Perhaps Sullivan could’ve benefitted from getting to know the leaders better and watching them up close in camp before making a final decision. But the coach sounded completely on board with how the process played out. Especially because he spent much of the summer talking with members of the leadership group and believes that Miller’s role will be a shared responsibility.

“I certainly offered my insights to the conversation. But obviously, Chris has been with these guys for a long time. Nobody knows them better than him, and the impact these guys have on each other and on the room,” Sullivan said.

“We feel comfortable with J.T. being the captain of the team, but by no means does it end there. We feel that we have a strong leadership group and it’s the responsibility of all of us, ourselves included, to enhance that leadership and spread that leadership around.”

That leadership group includes four alternates — Adam Fox, Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Mike Zibanejad. All but Trocheck wore letters a year ago.

The 2025-26 #NYR leadership group. pic.twitter.com/EApRjmocrW

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 16, 2025

Drury was asked if the Rangers considered going with two alternate captains instead of four.

“We weren’t in the position and certainly didn’t have any interest in taking an A away from any of those players,” Drury explained. “We think they’re good leaders, and we thought ‘Troch’ deserved one. He’s someone I’ve leaned on heavily here since we got him and there’s no doubt in my mind he’s worthy of joining that group and getting an A.”

Trocheck took on a bigger front-facing leadership role last season after the Trouba trade. He’s also a hard-nosed, passionate player, and friends with Miller since they were kids.

Many wondered if Trocheck was going to get the C instead of his buddy. But Sullivan made it clear that the Rangers believe they picked the right guy.

“We think J.T. is a great selection,” the coach said. “He represents in so many ways what we hope Rangers hockey’s going to look like with the way he plays the game. He’s a fierce competitor. And he’s a good person.”

And his latest move, naming J.T. Miller captain of the Rangers, is just further proof of how Drury has done a 180 from the previous summer.

Now, we can debate the merits of Miller being handed the C instead of, say, Vincent Trocheck or Adam Fox. Time will tell if this was the best choice by the Rangers.

But here’s what’s to like about it. The timing of the decision was assertive. Now there won’t be any ongoing questions throughout training camp about who’s going to be next captain or even if a new captain will be named. It removed a potential distraction for Mike Sullivan and his coaching staff, running their first camp in New York.

It was clean and seamless. Those words weren’t exactly used to describe how Drury handled most of his business ahead of last season.

In addition, Drury reportedly spoke beforehand with several Rangers veterans to take their temperature about whether Miller is the right player to lead this team. Communication and collaboration, especially with the players, wasn’t exactly a hallmark of Drury’s last season. Just ask Mika Zibanejad.

It appears that the GM is a quick study and learned from his heavy-handed dealings with respected pros like Jacob Trouba and Barclay Goodrow, and his mishandling of a trade memo to other general managers where Chris Kreider’s name became public.

Give Drury credit — he wasn’t all talk when he told reporters that he accepted the blame for the Rangers’ dismal showing in 2024-25. He did something about it. Drury changed his style for the better, while continuing to make difficult decisions in order to reshape the Rangers roster.

And it’s not just how he handled the captaincy.

Related: Rangers Daily: Seeking answers as training camp opens

Chris Drury not making same mistakes as Rangers GM this offseason

Drury showed a deft touch trading Kreider and K’Andre Miller this summer. Kreider commended the GM for how he communicated every step of the way before the longest-tenured Rangers player was dealt to the Anaheim Ducks. Miller’s agent similarly praised Drury for his above-board communication before moving the defenseman in a sign-and-trade with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Again, it’s open for debate whether these were good hockey trades or not. The point is more in how Drury made difficult decisions, but didn’t massively ruffle feathers in the dressing room. This time. Not how it was a year ago. That’s called progress.

Drury also deserves credit for creating enough salary cap space to sign Igor Shesterkin to the richest contract for a goalie in NHL history, trade for his high-priced new captain, add stud free-agent defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov and keep Will Cuylle away from a possible RFA offer sheet this summer.

He did so by getting the Ducks to take on all of Trouba and Kreider’s contracts ($14.5 million annually combined), waiving Goodrow, and opting not to re-sign K’Andre Miller, who was due a major raise.

Oh, and he landed a two-time Stanley Cup winner to coach this team — though who one pretty much fell into his lap after Sullivan and the Penguins parted ways early in the offseason.

Still, that feels like a solid hire.

As with all of these decisions, we’ll find out which ones prove to be correct and which, if any, are problematic.

But, it says here, that Drury has had himself a good offseason for the Rangers.

Each of the 61 players on the Rangers camp roster reports for physicals Wednesday. More importantly, new coach Mike Sullivan and general manager Chris Drury meet with reporters in the afternoon to answer questions publicly for the first time since Sullivan’s introductory press conference back in May.

One of those questions — who will be Rangers captain this season? — was answered Tuesday. The Rangers announced that J.T. Miller is the 29th captain in franchise history. And the five-man letter-wearing leadership group also includes alternates Adam Fox, Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Mika Zibanejad.

The 2025-26 #NYR leadership group. pic.twitter.com/EApRjmocrW

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 16, 2025

However, it’ll be good to hear why Sully and Drury believe Miller is the right choice to wear the C instead of, say, Trocheck or Fox.

And though we’ve heard that Sullivan is leaning toward starting out with Zibabejad playing right wing on a line centered by Miller, let’s hear the coach’s thoughts on where 93 best fits in the lineup.

Of course, if Zibanejad plays on the wing, that leaves a hole at 3C. Very curious to hear what Sullivan thinks about the third-line center battle. And what about the makeup of that third line? Is Taylor Raddysh a lock? How long a look will youngsters Gabe Perreault and Brennan Othmann get in the preseason? Is Will Cuylle a top-six wing or will he bolster that third line? Are we right to assume that the Rangers will run it back with Panarin, Trocheck and Alexis Lafreniere as a go-to line? What’s Brett Berard’s role? Are the Twin Towers of Matt Rempe and Adam Edstrom the look Sullivan wants on the fourth line?

And those are just questions about the forwards. What’s the plan to improve defensively, especially after deficiencies in their own end sabotaged the Rangers time and again last season? Where will Vladislav Gavrikov line up? Will Braden Schneider move into a top-four role on his off (left) side? What do they think about Scott Morrow and his chances of landing on the opening-night roster? Is there a path for Matthew Robertson to make this team? What about Carson Soucy and Urho Vaakanainen?

Then there are power-play questions, penalty kill, and the coach’s overall philosophy and style. Who caught Sullivan’s eye at rookie camp? What of veterans Conor Sheary and Andrej Sustr, each here on a PTO?

We won’t get all of those questions answered Wednesday. But Sullivan — and Drury — should shed light on several of these key topics. And we’ll be there to report and provide analysis about it all right here at Forever Blueshirts.

New York Rangers news and analysis

Here’s a list and breakdown of the 61 players attending Rangers training camp.

Brennan Othmann was available to comment Tuesday about the Rangers decision to name Miller their new captain. And Othmann was full of praise for Miller.

Speaking of captains, the Rangers partnered with Mark Messier and his company to wear a “Game 7” patch on their sweaters this season.

NHL news and rumors

Daily Faceoff: The most intriguing unsigned free agent is off the market. Well, kind of. Defenseman Matt Grzelcyk, who had 40 points with the Pittsburgh Penguins last season, agreed to a PTO with the Chicago Blackhawks. That’s a tryout contract, but he could land an NHL deal with the Blackhawks or any other team with a good showing at camp.

TSN: Contract talks between Kirill Kaprizov and the Minnesota Wild are “not cordial,” per Pierre LeBrun. However, the Wild made it clear that Kaprizov is not on the trade market, even after he declined a massive contract offer that reportedly had a $16 million average annual value.

TSN: Philadelphia Flyers general manager Danny Briere confirmed that they will not re-sign free agent goalie Carter Hart. He said Hart’s representative told the Flyers the former No. 1 goalie is seeking a “fresh start” after being acquitted on recent charges of sexual assault.

Sportsnet: Former Rangers center Manny Malhotra received a contract extension from the Vancouver Canucks to remain coach of their American Hockey League affiliate in Abbotsford through 2026-27.

Hockey News: Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen could miss up to the first two months of the 2025-26 season recovering from March surgery to repair a torn triceps.

NHL.com: Connor Bedard learned to find a balance — “chill out” in his words — with his offseason conditioning program and feels fresher heading into his third NHL training camp with the Blackhawks.

San Jose Hockey Now: The Sharks signed Oliver Wahlstrom to a PTO. The former Islanders first-round pick had already signed an AHL contract with the San Jose Barracuda of the AHL.

“At 12, I was 5-foot-11, so I was a big kid right away,” Turgeon recalled. “You know, we went to the Little League World Series … and then Stephane Matteau was on the team too, and we would alternate me and Stephane all the time pitching.”

Just like this year’s Canadian squad, Little Mountain Little League from Vancouver, the two represented their country, leading Rotary (Quebec) Little League to the semifinals before falling to the five-time defending champs from Chinese Taipei.

Just seven years later, another future NHL player — now general manager — took the same stage. Christopher Ellis Drury, a 13-year-old from Trumbull, Connecticut, was a sports prodigy, fresh off leading his peewee hockey team to a national title. He then traded the ice for the diamond, taking the mound at Howard J. Lamade Stadium in the 1989 LLBWS.

Related: Why Rangers could place risky bet on Juuso Parssinen filling hole at 3rd-line center

The summer Chris Drury stunned Taiwan

Facing Taiwan’s Kang-Tu — a team from the country that had won six LLBWS in a row — Drury threw a complete game five-hitter. And at bat, he drove in two runs. By the time the final out was recorded, the United States had its first LLBWS champion since 1983.

That game put Drury and his teammates in the spotlight. The boys were invited onto “Good Morning America,” honored with a trip to the White House, sat atop floats in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and even threw out the first pitch at Game 2 of the 1989 World Series between the Oakland A’s and San Francisco Giants.

Years later in 2009, Drury was officially inducted into the Little League Hall of Excellence. The Hall recognizes alumni who’ve gone on to set themselves apart in their professional sports careers.

But baseball was only half the story for Drury. Even though he shined on the mound, his futured destiny was on the ice.

Related: J.T. Miller, Matt Rempe among Rangers poised to make bigger contributions in 2025-26

Chris Drury’s successful hockey career after baseball

Drury helped Boston University win the 1995 NCAA championship as a freshman and became the Terriers’ only Hobey Baker award winner as the top men’s player in NCAA hockey in 1998. He finished his collegiate career with 113 goals — the most in program history to date — and was inducted into the BU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003.

Drafted in the third round (72nd overall) by the Quebec Nordiques in the 1994 NHL Draft, Drury stayed with the Terriers through 1998 before joining the Colorado Avalanche. From there, his transition to the NHL was seamless. Drury won the Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year in 1999 and helped the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup in 2001. Over 12 seasons in the NHL with the Avalanche, Calgary Flames, Buffalo Sabres and Rangers he totaled 255 goals and 615 points.

Drury scored at least 20 goals nine times in the NHL, including twice with the Rangers. He had 25 goals with them in 2007-08 and 22 the following season. Drury was Rangers captain from 2008-11, after previously wearing the C with the Sabres.

On the international stage, Drury represented Team USA in three Olympics (2002, 2006, 2010) where he won two silver medals. In total, Drury played in eight major tournaments, including the World Championships and the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. His career earned him a place in the U.S Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015.

More than three decades after stunning Taiwan in Williamsport, Drury continues to make his mark on the sports world, serving as president and general manager of the Rangers. He was promoted to those positions in May 2021 after previously working for the Rangers as head of player development and then assistant GM.

The Rangers made the Stanley Cup Playoffs in each of Drury’s first three seasons as GM, including the 2022 and 2024 Eastern Conference Finals. He and the organization are trying to rebound this coming season after missing the playoffs in 2024-25, one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history.

“I never really had a chance to say goodbye, to get closure,” Lundqvist said this week on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast.

So when Lundqvist officially announced his retirement on Aug. 20, 2021 while back home in Sweden, that feeling lingered. But just as he was finishing up a media session that day, his phone rang.

“I see it’s (Rangers general manager) Chris Drury,” Lundqvist recalled. “He says, ‘Congrats,’ and then, ‘Your jersey is going up this year.'”

Five months later, with his heart surgically repaired and his NHL career in the rearview mirror, Lundqvist stood on the Garden ice one last time as he and the Rangers Faithful each were given a proper goodbye.

But the call from Drury only tells part of the story. Before any of that, Lundqvist was still planning to suit up again, hoping for a fresh start with the Washington Capitals until an uncomfortable update from his doctors changed everything.

Related: Henrik Lundqvist, Chris Kreider, Artemi Panarin lead Rangers All-Quarter Century team

Henrik Lundqvist’s battle off the ice before retiring in 2021

Lundqvist had long known about a leaky valve in his heart, but it remained steady for years. It was something he and his doctors monitored, not something he thought would end his playing career. That changed during his first round of medical testing after he signed a one-year contract with the Capitals in October of 2020.

“The leak was getting worse. The pressure in my heart was going up. My aorta was growing too much,” he explained. “There were a few things going on.”

Still, Lundqvist was determined to continue playing after the Rangers bought out his contract following the “bubble” postseason in the summer of 2020. In his mind, he was already on his way back.

“I really thought it would come down to my convincing my wife, like, ‘no, no, I’m going to do this,'” he said. “Yeah, the risk is a little higher now, but I was ready to go.”

A month later, back home and getting ready for training camp for the delayed 2020-21 season, Lundqvist packed his bags, only to get a call that changed everything,

“All the tests, everything is actually worse than we thought,” doctors told him.

“My pressure used to be 19 or 20. I was at 60,” Lundqvist said. “At 70, your heart stops. My aorta was too big. They needed to replace it. And the valve, it was just hanging on.”

The fight was over before it ever began.

“So yeah, it became an easy decision. I had to do it,” he said. “If it had been a gray area, I probably would’ve pushed through. But when you hear that? You know there’s no going back.”

Related: Rangers’ most memorable regular-season games from 2000-25, including this Henrik Lundqvist gem

Post-surgery rehab

The surgery at Cleveland Clinic in January of 2021 was a success, but the following weeks were anything but easy. At first, even the basics were challenging.

“The first couple weeks after the open-heart [surgery], I was hardly walking,” Lundqvist said. “Every week just got better and better.”

Day 3. Surgery went really well. About 5 hours to get it all taken care of. Really appreciate the great staff here at the Clevland Clinic. Last few days has been pretty crazy but feel like I’m in really good hands. Every day is a step in the right direction 👍🏻 pic.twitter.com/wjMTosFWQy

— Henrik Lundqvist (@HLundqvist) January 8, 2021

Still, Lundqvist thought the comeback was on. “In my head, I was coming back,” he said.

Seven weeks out, he returned to the ice. It was just a few light skating drills to get a feel for the pace.

“I was in a good pace to start skating — not bad,” he said. “I was just on the ice to feel, to get the timing. No high shots, obviously … just on-ice shots for the first couple weeks, then to put pressure on the chest.”

Physically and mentally, Lundqvist felt strong. He was progressing on schedule, and even ahead of it in some ways.

“You have to wait for your chest to heal in terms of pressure,” he said. “You can’t exercise hard after three weeks. You’ve got to do it week by week, and kind of listen to your body.”

But as weeks went on, reality set in, even after Lundqvist confirmed he wouldn’t be able to play in 2020-21.

“Honesty, physically, mentally, I felt so good,” Lundqvist said. “But I knew I can’t .. I can’t fight this thing.”

After everything he’d been through, and everything he still wanted to accomplish, the decision became clear.

“It was time to hang it up.”

A proper goodbye

By the time Lundqvist officially retired, he had already come to peace with the reality the he’d never play again. Emotionally though, something felt unfinished.

The Rangers reached out shortly after his announcement in Sweden to let him know his No. 30 would be retired in a ceremony at Madison Square Garden.

“My last game was in the bubble. No fans. I never really had a chance to say goodbye,” Lundqvist said.

And when January 28, 2022 arrived, it was as unforgettable Garden moment.

Fans (who normally show up right before puck drop) poured into the Garden hours early. The concourses overflowed, and some paid more for their ticket than they ever had just to be in the building. It was a once in a generation kind of night — not just for Lundqvist, but for everyone who had ever watched the future Hall of Famer play.

By the time he stepped onto the ice, the roar inside MSG was deafening. Chants of “Henrik! Henrik! Henrik!” shook the building. Between the video tributes and standing ovations, the emotion all built towards the moment when No. 30 was raised to the rafters.

It was a thank you, a celebration and a proper goodbye to the Garden faithful.

“It was an incredible moment for so many reason. I’ll never forget it.”