The Rangers need top six players, not bottom six - Blue Seat Blogs

"Speaking of the bottom six, if you ask Chris Drury he would say that that's where the Rangers have the biggest need. Drury, an atrocious General Manager thus far for the Blueshirts, is yet again mistaken. New York's bottom six was certainly a problem at various points throughout the 2025-2026 season, but toward the end, it was a strength."

"Tye Kartye played his way into a regular third line spot. Noah Laba stayed consistent at center for the entire season, minus injuries. That's not to speak of Jaro Chmelar, who found his NHL game, or Adam Sykora, who sparked excitement every time he was on the ice."

"Those players aren't enough for you? How about Adam Edstrom and Matt Rempe, 2023-2025 regulars, before injuries ruined their 2025-2026 campaigns? That's not to speak of any depth signings, or AHL Hartford Wolfpack players who could play their way into roster spots. There's a strong argument that the Rangers need some level of backup, be it in the form of Conor Sheary or Taylor Raddysh, to feel more comfortable with the bottom half of the lineup."

"Meanwhile in the top six, the Rangers have a first line of Gabe Perreault, Mika Zibanejad, and Alexis Lafreniere, who played great hockey down the stretch. On a rebuilding team, that's a fine first line to see what the trio can become. On a team attempting to retool like Drury's Rangers? That's as unreliable of a first line as they come. They are best suited as a second line on"

The Rangers enter the offseason after a solid finish to the 2025-2026 season, with young players creating momentum. Gabe Perreault and Alexis Lafreniere generated excitement, while several bottom-six contributors improved and stabilized roles late in the year. Tye Kartye earned a regular third-line spot, Noah Laba remained consistent at center when healthy, and Jaro Chmelar and Adam Sykora found their NHL footing. Injuries disrupted some depth players, including Adam Edstrom and Matt Rempe, but additional options from Hartford and depth signings could strengthen the lineup. The argument is that the bottom six became a strength toward the end, while the top six needs more dependable players, ideally with some veteran balance.

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