At the Rangers’ end-of-season media day, goaltender Igor Shesterkin summed things up bluntly: “Something broke.” After missing the playoffs just a year after winning the Presidents’ Trophy, players pointed to a loss of identity, inconsistent play, and internal miscommunication as key reasons for the team’s collapse.
Defenseman Adam Fox and center Vincent Trocheck emphasized the lack of cohesion and accountability, noting that traits that once defined the team—like resilience and unity—were absent this season. The Rangers managed only 85 points (29 fewer than the year before), failing to find sustained momentum and falling six points short of the postseason.
Beyond on-ice struggles, several players—especially Mika Zibanejad—highlighted poor communication between players and the front office as a source of tension. Instances like Barclay Goodrow being waived without warning and Jacob Trouba’s unclear departure created distractions that weighed heavily in the locker room.
Amid the fallout, head coach Peter Laviolette was dismissed. Still, many players expressed admiration for Laviolette and were quick to shoulder the blame themselves. “We didn’t perform, and the coach takes the fall,” said rookie Matt Rempe. Fox echoed the sentiment, stressing that the players must create a foundation of consistency no matter who is behind the bench.
Despite the disappointment, the mood wasn’t entirely grim. Veterans like Chris Kreider and Zibanejad reiterated their belief in the core group and a shared desire to stay and win in New York. Even Calvin de Haan, a midseason addition likely headed for free agency, spoke positively about the locker room’s potential.
As GM Chris Drury prepares for a critical offseason, the Rangers know they must improve not only their play but also their culture of communication and accountability. Said Trocheck: “We still believe in this group. It’s about sticking together, learning, and getting better.”
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