How will Sullivan set up the Rangers forward lines?

While a good deal of the Rangers core remains intact, there is a breath of new life surrounding the upcoming season. Looking to reload after a disappointing 2024–25, the Rangers turn to new coach Mike Sullivan to reconstruct the lineup. With a few new faces and a crop of young talent, Sullivan will have some options in his efforts to reinvigorate the team. Let’s take a closer look at some questions that will define the lineup.

Who plays 3C?

When it comes to the forward group, the biggest question might revolve around Mika Zibanejad. The Rangers tough season shone a particularly harsh light on Zibanejad’s individual totals, a decline that bemoans many Rangers faithful. Between his contract’s cap hits and clauses, getting a bounce back from Zibanejad seems necessary for the best version of this team. How to do so remains more of a mystery, as a growing contingent begins to contemplate a move to the wing.

Vincent Trocheck’s strong chemistry with Artemi Panarin takes a top centre spot, as does J.T. Miller. This leaves Zibanejad with an apparent third-line role as a centre, where his production would hardly be optimized. A top-six winger role would seem flashier on paper, but would it make the team better?

A look back at Sullivan’s Stanley Cup-winning rosters with the Pittsburgh Penguins reveals a belief in a strong top-nine forward group. Famously, star winger Phil Kessel helped power a dangerous third line. Perhaps this indicates how Sullivan might approach the situation. A strong centre group is always in vogue, and Zibanejad is a clear cut above other possibilities like Juuso Parssinen.

Obviously, the decision will not be set in stone, but working out the rest of the forward group hinges on where to play Zibanejad. Outside of Igor Shesterkin’s hold on the crease, this centre group might be one of the defining strengths of the roster. Though none of Miller, Trocheck, or Zibanejad are thought of as Hart Trophy contenders, as a trio, they are impressive. They match up quite favourably against many top teams around the league. Perhaps playing to this roster’s strengths will require a focus on finding the right blend around their centres.

Stepping up

Thankfully for the Rangers, there are several young wingers pushing for more ice time. During the offseason, optimism is easy to come by, though in truth, younger players do not always trend positively. There are a number of players who might help fill out a top-nine, and wingers are often the least expensive to acquire if help is required in season.

Alexis Lafreniere stalled last season after it seemed he had truly arrived in the 2023–24 playoffs. The Rangers owe it to themselves to move him into a top power play role, which will improve his baseline production rates and build confidence. The Rangers power play was well below league average last season, so clearly a jolt is needed. There are concerns, as last season saw a huge decline in his shot totals, to 153 from 217 the season prior. A spot alongside Miller might seem logical, giving the duo a chance to push Panarin and Trocheck in effectiveness.

Meanwhile, Will Cuylle has become one of the Rangers best wingers, often sporting strong possession stats. Cuylle does a lot of hard work and finds shots from the net front. He will be a great help to whichever line he finds himself on, and could help highly skilled linemates convert their skills into offence. On merit, Cuylle deserves a chance in the top six, though he might be able to create a powerful tandem on the third line.

In a copycat league, the cats are the meow of the moment, as the Florida Panthers use three separate forward duos to fill out their lineup. Line one has Sasha Barkov and Sam Reinhart, line two has Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk, leaving Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen on line three. The Panthers rotate wingers in and out of each spot among these duos. The Rangers are able to throw together a reasonable comparable with Miller and Lafreniere on line one, Trocheck and Panarin on line two, and Cuylle and Zibanejad on line three. While Cuylle and Zibanejad are both worthy of spots in the top-six, a more well-rounded lineup is often more stout in the playoffs.

Filling in

It is fair to say that the top of the forward lineup presents these strengths, but the bottom of the Rangers roster will need to pull its weight to pay off the strategy. In this case, the Rangers would need players to step up into elevated roster positions. These players might be burdened with certain responsibilities to make space for their more skilled linemates.

Brennan Othmann is particularly interesting here. The former first-round pick seems poised to become a full time NHLer, and has the tools to be a very functional player. His forechecking abilities will be a welcome addition to most lines. Brett Berard is smaller, but can bring similar elements. Both have some offensive qualities, but their path to more ice time lies in intensity and legwork.

Taylor Raddysh brings some offence, but could be overtaken by rookie Gabe Perreault. Perreault is a huge x-factor for the Rangers, as he could add talent to the top six. At the same time, he likely needs an important offensive usage to be at his best, and the bar is high. Raddysh might be able to buy Perreault some time if he is not yet ready for an important role on a playoff hopeful.

Juuso Parssinen and David Edstrom are entering their mid-20s, and both might be able to step into bigger roles with the team this season. Their spots in the roster are far from guaranteed, and their upside is seen as more limited. Still, Parssinen and Edstrom could provide a great deal of support if they are able to take a step over the summer. There will be competition from veterans like Sam Carrick and Jonny Brodzinski.

Mock lines

Let’s put all this together to make some potential forward lineups for next season. Naturally, there will be adjustments throughout the season as the power vacuum of a new coach unfolds.

Loading up the top six

Panarin—Trocheck—Zibanejad
Cuylle—Miller—Lafreniere
Othmann—Parssinen—Raddysh
Edstrom—Brodzinski—Berard

Zibanejad is insulated by high quality linemates, helping him rediscover higher offensive totals. Lafreniere gets a new place in the top-six, provided with a good deal of grit and skill. This should help Lafreniere play a more skilled game. Othmann and Parssinen might form a reasonable checking duo, given Raddysh here for some offensive credibility.

The Rangers would have to lean heavily on their top players for this to work, as their bottom-six might be overmatched on a regular basis. If the bench is shortened while the team is trailing, it might make sense to load up in a similar fashion. This setup shields Perreault from being thrown into the lineup before his time.

Three lines

Perreault—Miller—Lafreniere
Panarin—Trocheck—Othmann
Cuylle—Zibanejad—Berard
Edstrom—Parssinen—Raddysh

Meanwhile, a reliance on rookies and going with Zibanejad at centre offers a much deeper look. There is no guarantee the ruling players can live up to such lofty roles, but at least they would have the support of stronger linemates.

Perreault is given a good dose of skill and size to work with, while still having elite offensive talent on his line. Othmann can do a lot of important dirty work for Panarin and Trocheck, a jolt of youthful energy. Zibanejad and Cuylle can form a strong duo on both sides of the puck, and Berard given a chance to join in without much stress on his size. Even the fourth line looks strong here, showing how much of an impact growth for Perreault, Othmann, and Berard can have.