Most important 2024-25 New York Rangers: No. 6-10, including 2 staff members

Moving along with our 2024-25 most important New York Rangers, it is time to unveil the top-10!

In our most recent release, top-rated prospects Brennan Othmann and Gabe Perreault clocked in at spots 15 and 12, respectively, and Braden Schneider (14), Filip Chytil (13) and K’Andre Miller (11) all cracked the top-15 as well.

Here are the rankings up to this point:

25. Brett Berard

24. Adam Sykora

23. Sam Rosen

22. Kaapo Kakko

21. Ryan Lindgren

20. Matt Rempe

19. Jonathan Quick

18. Will Cuylle

17. Reilly Smith

16. Zac Jones

15. Brennan Othmann

14. Braden Schneider

13. Filip Chytil

12. Gabe Perreault

11. K’Andre Miller

Now, let’s move on to the top-10.

No. 6-10 most important 2024-25 New York Rangers

10. Peter Laviolette (head coach)

Peter Laviolette had a great year with the Rangers in his first season as their coach. He led the Rangers to a 55-23-4 record and the Presidents’ Trophy, establishing franchise records for wins (55) and points (114). He then guided the Rangers into the Eastern Conference Final, where they lost in six games to the Florida Panthers.

Now, his biggest task will be getting the Rangers over the hump of the conference final, where they lost in two of the past three seasons. and deliver the first Stanley Cup championship in 31 years to the hungry Blueshirts Faithful.

Laviolette hit all the right buttons in his first go-around with the Rangers. All the players seemed to buy in to his system, and enjoyed his intense, game-like practices. He made key decisions, such as moving Alexis Lafreniere to right wing on Artemi Panarin’s line, that really paid off throughout the season. If Laviolette can replicate what he did in year one, the Rangers are in great hands. He lands deservedly inside the top 10 of most important Rangers.

9. Jacob Trouba (defenseman)

The Rangers captain seemed to take a step back with his game last season. Nonetheless, Jacob Trouba is still a very important part of this group. Earning 22 points with a minus-4 rating in 69 regular-season games is a far cry from his 39 points and plus-25 he recorded in the 2021-22 season, but he still brings a lot of value to the organization, both on and off the ice.

Trouba has served as a great leader and captain for the Rangers, and last season was recognized as the winner of the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award. His leadership and commitment to the organization will be scrutinized this season after the Rangers failed to trade him this summer. But it’s hard to find anyone who believes this will affect his approach at all.

While he may regress to the third defensive pair this season, it does not take away from the experience, leadership, and physicality that he brings to the team. If Trouba can stay healthy and play solid second- or third-pair minutes, his impact will still be felt in a positive way. He earns spot nine in our ranking.

8. Vincent Trocheck (forward)

Vincent Trocheck had an incredible season for the Rangers in 2023-24. Scoring 25 goals and earning an NHL career-high 77 points, he fit in perfectly centering one of the best lines in the NHL between Lafreniere and Panarin. He was also a beast in the face-off circle, winning 58.7 percent of his draws last season. And he was New York’s best skater in the postseason, leading the Rangers with 20 points in 16 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

Combine this with his contributions on the power play and penalty kill, and winning the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award, and you get one heckuva player. If Trocheck can keep this level of play up and even build upon it, New York will be in a great spot at the center position. This is especially true if Mika Zibanejad can bounce back and Chytil can stay healthy. After his incredible performance last season, Trocheck easily earned his No. 8 ranking on our list.

7. Alexis Lafreniere (forward)

It took some time for Alexis Lafreniere to show flashes of the player who was drafted with the first-overall pick in 2020. However, the 22-year-old made massive strides in his fourth NHL season. Moving to the right wing in order to play consistent second-line minutes worked wonders for Lafreniere, who smashed his NHL career highs in goals (28) and points (57). He then tied for the team lead with eight goals in the playoffs.

At such a young age, Lafreniere looks primed to take another step in his game this season, and could surpass his career highs once again. If his development continues on this path, Lafreniere could have quite an impact on this organization for years to come. In terms of value to the Rangers, it is hard to get much greater than a young superstar in the making. ‘Laffy’ lands at No. 7.

6. Chris Drury (general manager)

As the man who holds all the cards, general manager Chris Drury has a tall task this season. While he has crafted a very competitive Rangers team, he has yet to secure a Stanley Cup. After a quiet offseason due to salary cap restraints and the failed Trouba trade, all eyes are on Drury to make the right moves this year ahead of the trade deadline.

Drury has some great moves on his resume, yet, he also has some questionable ones. When it comes to the 2024-25 season, he has the ability to turn a great team into a championship winner. The Rangers were close again last season, but close doesn’t quite cut it in New York. That being said, as the GM, he is one of the most valuable members of the organization, landing him at No. 6 in our ranking.

By Dane Walsh

Dane Walsh is a life-long fan of the New York Rangers. Growing up in the tri-state area, Dane has... More about Dane Walsh