Inside the Rangers 2025-2026 Struggles

With the DCHL trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Rangers have decided to become deadline sellers this season. It's a sobering realization for the blueshirts, who hoped to compete for a playoff spot in 2026. Let's take a look into the struggles the club has faced this season: 

Lack of Firepower 

A notable reason as to why the Rangers trail the Toronto Maple Leafs by nine points for the final wildcard spot is their lack of goal scoring prowess this season. The issue has come to roost coming out of the Olympic break, as New York has only been able to muster up one goal in their last three contests. The club currently ranks 30th in the league in goals for with a -20 goal differental. 

"We hoped that aquiring Adam [Fox] and signing Zbanejad would help jump start our offense, but that wasn't the case this year," general manager Mark Ramos told DCHL.ca. "It's important we still stay patient, especially with our younger players at this time. Player development isn't always a steady upward trajectory; there's usually peaks and valleys. We need to remember that right now." 

A Step Back 

Speaking of the younger players on Broadway, it's been a difficult season for many. Logan Cooley has struggled to replicate the consistentency he showed throughout his 52-point rookie season a year ago. His play without the puck has left a lot to be desired as well. Matvei Michkov and Artyom Levshunov have had moments, but have struggled to adapt to the pacing of the North American game. Addtionally, goaltender Dustin Wolf's game has been sporadic in goal this year at best.  

"This is a very tough league," Ramos said. "We feel it's all a part of the process and that Logan, Matvei, Artie and Dustin will be better for it. Is it disappointing this year? Sure, but we hope these guys are Rangers for a long time." 

Conversely, Logan Stankoven and Jamie Drysdale's games have modestly improved this year, but it hasn't been enough to make an impactful difference yet. 

The Plan Ahead 

As mentioned above, the trade deadline is approaching rapidly. Sources close to the Ranger organization have stated that a handful of players are available in New York. Yesterday, the Rangers sent forward Frank Vatrano to Seattle for a 2026 2nd round pick and prospect Theo Stockselius. Versatile veteran forward Pius Suter has drawn interest from Carolina as well, while a number of teams have checked in on the status' of Linus Ullmark and Adam Fox. Others players rumored to be available are Colten Sissions and Alec Martinez. 

According to another team source, the Rangers have expressed zero desire to deal Fox, but are listening on Ullmark. Of course, both players were aquired back in October from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for William Wallinder, Marc-Andre Fleury, two 1st round picks and a 3rd round pick. The Rangers are hoping to land a 2026 first round pick and prospect for Ullmark, but sources suggest they are willing to keep him through his deal if their price isn't met. 

The veteran goaltender is under contract through next season at a five million dollar cap hit. He currently boasts a 2.54 goals against average with 90.18 save percentage across 33 starts this season.