Rangers Midseason Report: MVP, Most Improved, Biggest Disappointment, and More Awards
NEW YORK — The New York Rangers have reached the halfway point of the NHL season, with their 3-2 overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday marking game No. 41 of the 2025-26 season. They enter the second half with a 19-17-5 record and a .524 points percentage, ranking last in the Eastern Conference. However, their 43 total points place them just one point away from the final wild-card spot, highlighting the competitive nature of the East standings.
To evaluate the team's performance, we've categorized their progress into 10 areas, ranging from positive developments to areas of concern.
MVP: Igor Shesterkin
The MVP category was a close call, with Adam Fox's injury on November 29th against the Tampa Bay Lightning making it difficult to crown a clear frontrunner. Fox was leading the team with nearly a point-per-game pace (26 points in 27 games) and pairing up with Vladislav Gavrikov, a free-agent addition. However, the Rangers have played 14 games without Fox, making it challenging to consider him for the MVP title.
The remaining contenders were Igor Shesterkin, Artemi Panarin, Gavrikov, and Mika Zibanejad. Gavrikov, a key addition this summer, has been a strong defensive player and received support from fans. However, his underlying numbers have dipped without Fox, making it a tough choice for MVP.
Shesterkin, who finished just behind Gavrikov in the fan vote, has had a solid year, though he may not be entirely satisfied with his performance. He boasts a .910 save percentage and is ranked eighth in the NHL in goals saved above expected (17.93), according to Evolving Hockey. His ability to keep the Rangers in games, even when the offense struggles, is invaluable.
Most Improved: Matthew Robertson
Matthew Robertson has been a surprising bright spot for the Rangers, despite the team's uneven first half. He entered the season as a second-round pick in 2019 with high expectations, but his prospect status faded over the years. Robertson spent four full seasons in the AHL and was trending towards becoming a minor-league player. However, he has experienced a breakthrough nearly seven years after being drafted.
The 24-year-old started the season as a healthy scratch but earned his way into the lineup, playing in 32 out of 41 games. He has been particularly strong since Fox's injury, leading all Rangers defensemen with a 59.98 percent expected goals-for rate over the past month, according to Natural Stat Trick.
Most Disappointing: Alexis Lafrenière
Alexis Lafrenière's performance has been a disappointment, especially considering his seven-year extension in October 2024, following a career-best 57-point season. He started the 2024-25 season with four goals and seven points in seven games, showing promise as a strong top-six player.
However, Lafrenière has only accumulated 58 points in 116 games entering Monday, with 8 goals and 20 points this year. Despite his power-play ice time, he has not met the expectations set by his 2023-24 performance, which is concerning for the team.
Biggest Surprise: Improved Defense
The Rangers' defense has been a pleasant surprise, turning around quickly under new coach Mike Sullivan. For years, the team struggled with turnovers and poor coverage in neutral zones, odd-man rushes, and slot and net-front areas. However, these issues have been significantly improved over the last few months.
Sullivan's layered 1-2-2 forechecking system and switch from man-to-man to box-and-one zone coverage have paid off. The Rangers have risen from 28th in expected goals against per 60 and 29th in high-danger scoring chances allowed in 2024-25 to fourth and second, respectively, according to Natural Stat Trick.
Best Rookie: Noah Laba
Noah Laba has been a standout rookie for the Rangers, playing every game this season. The 22-year-old quickly transitioned from a promising prospect to a full-time NHL player, beating out Juuso Pärssinen for the third-line center job. Laba's defensive contributions and speed make him a valuable addition to the lineup.
Best Win: 3-2 over Dallas Stars
The Rangers' win over the Dallas Stars on December 2nd was a strong effort, coming off a tough loss to Tampa Bay where Fox was injured. The team played well against a top Western Conference team and showcased resilience, with Will Cuylle scoring a crucial six-on-five goal to send the game to overtime. Gavrikov then scored the overtime winner, a significant moment for the team.
Worst Loss: 4-1 to Tampa Bay
The loss to Tampa Bay on November 29th was a disappointing performance, with the Rangers struggling with effort and competition. The team's poor performance dropped them to 2-8-1 at Madison Square Garden, and they only managed 13 shots on goal, their worst mark of the season. Sullivan criticized their effort, and the team suffered a significant injury to Fox, who has been out since.
Team Strength: Goaltending
The Rangers' goaltending has been a strong point, with a team save percentage of .916, ranking third in the league. Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick have both performed well, with Quick being one of the best backup goalies in the league. Sullivan praised Shesterkin's ability to make timely saves, boosting the team's confidence.
Primary Concern: Scoring
The Rangers' scoring struggles are a significant concern, with the team ranking 31st in goals per game (2.55) through 40 contests. They have failed to score in 56 of 120 total periods, and the issue is widespread across the lineup. The team's go-to forwards, defense, and depth forwards lack the scoring punch needed to win consistently.
Biggest Question: Buy, Sell, or Thread the Needle?
The Eastern Conference's mediocrity keeps the Rangers in the playoff race, but the team is at a crossroads. The organization needs to decide whether to build around its current core, which includes four forwards over 32 years old, or focus on getting younger, faster, and more skilled. The decision involves tough conversations about players like Panarin, Miller, and Lafrenière, who may need to be traded or waived to facilitate the necessary changes.
