After finishing the 2024–25 NHL season with a 39‑36‑7 record and missing the postseason for the first time in four years, the New York Rangers announced the hiring of Mike Sullivan as their new head coach. The team signed Sullivan to a five-year agreement worth $32.5 million.
Team President and General Manager Chris Drury said, “The second Mike was available, we quickly and aggressively pursued him.”
Sullivan, a two-time Stanley Cup-winning coach with the Pittsburgh Penguins, brings valuable experience. In Pittsburgh, he led a locker room that included core players such as Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang.
Speaking about his new role in New York, Sullivan said, “I’m really excited about the opportunity to build a partnership with Chris. I’m really excited about what we could build here moving forward that we could all be proud of. It’s already a great relationship, and I think it’s only going to get better every day.”
- Mike Sullivan, a two-time Stanley Cup winner, brings energy, leadership, and high expectations to a struggling Rangers team.
- The Rangers face internal issues and defensive weaknesses that Sullivan alone may not be able to fix.
- Salary cap limitations will likely prevent big roster moves, making bounce-back performances from current players critical.
Players Share First Impressions of New Coach
Veteran forward Mika Zibanejad confirmed contact with Sullivan, “Yeah, I had a conversation with him. Obviously, he’s a coach that’s been around for some time now, had some success in the league. It will be fun to talk with him even more.”
Will Cuylle, who took part in the 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship with Team Canada, said, “I don’t know him personally or have never met him. It’s good. I have lots of trust in the organization to hire a good option for us. I’m looking forward to meeting with him and working with him and hopefully have a good bounce-back year in New York.”
Prospect Gabe Perreault also shared his early interaction with Sullivan, “More just an introduction, he called me a couple of days after he got the job. I’ve been talking to him a little bit, just trying to get to know him as a person.”
Stanley Cup Futures Odds Place Rangers in Middle of the Pack
Entering the 2025–26 season, online sportsbooks have placed the Rangers’ Stanley Cup odds between +2900 and +3000, with VegasInsider listing them at +3000 and PlayNY showing odds of 29/1. Additionally, a separate listing from FanDuel, as cited by the New York Post, has the Rangers at +950.
Analyst Michael Leboff wrote, “The market says the Rangers at 29/1… have taken a step back amid significant roster turnover and cap space restructuring under GM Chris Drury.”
Shesterkin Locked In With Record-Breaking Contract
Goaltender Igor Shesterkin signed a long-term extension in late 2024. The eight-year, $92 million deal averages $11.5 million per year — the highest salary for a goalie in NHL history.
Shesterkin began the season with 70/1 odds to win the Hart Trophy and +600 to win the Vezina, according to sportsbook data.
Rangers Unlikely to Trade for Bowen Byram
Reports linking the Rangers to Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram were addressed by The Athletic’s Peter Baugh. He reported, “The Rangers have never appeared to be one of the key players in the Byram sweepstakes, and at this point, it’s hard to make much sense of it. Byram just signed a two‑year extension with Buffalo, so the Rangers would need to significantly clear cap space to make room.”
Byram’s contract with Buffalo is worth $12.5 million over two years. Although the Sabres are said to be interested in improving their offense and may be open to trade offers, New York is not considered part of those discussions.
Cap Situation Limits Offseason Moves
Calls for major offseason changes face a financial hurdle. The Rangers have limited salary cap flexibility, making it unlikely that significant trades or free agent signings will occur.
Instead, the team is expected to rely on returning players, including Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Vincent Trocheck, and J.T. Miller. For the defensive group to improve, players such as Adam Fox and K’Andre Miller will need to step up.
Jimmy Vesey Reportedly Exploring KHL Option
Former Rangers forward Jimmy Vesey is reportedly considering signing with a team in the Kontinental Hockey League. He is currently not under contract with any NHL team.
With Mike Sullivan now in place and Igor Shesterkin secured under contract, the Rangers will begin the 2025–26 campaign with a new coaching direction but a largely familiar roster. Barring unforeseen moves, the team’s progress will depend on improvement from within.
