Mika Zibanejad’s role? Last chance for Alexis Lafreneière? What the Rangers still need to sort out

Mika Zibanejad tries to navigate through the Bruins' defense during a Rangers 2-1 win on Jan. 2, 2025.

The New York Rangers are at a crossroads heading into the 2025-26 NHL season, and the stakes have never been higher. With a roster full of promise but lingering questions, the Blueshirts are racing against time to build a championship contender. Two of the biggest storylines coming out of Madison Square Garden are Mika Zibanejad’s evolving role and the ticking clock on Alexis Lafrenière’s development. Can the Rangers pull it all together, or is this season their last chance to make the most of their star-studded lineup?

Mika Zibanejad: A Leader or a Passenger?

Mika Zibanejad’s future in New York has become a topic of fierce debate. After years of being the Rangers’ offensive backbone, the 30-year-old center has yet to prove he can lead the team to the promised land. While Zibanejad has always been a reliable point producer, his inconsistency in clutch moments has left fans questioning if he can truly elevate his game when it matters most. With younger talent like Artemi Panarin and Igor Shesterkin ready to carry the torch, the Rangers are looking for Zibanejad to step up in a more prominent leadership role this year. But here’s the million-dollar question: Is he capable of being the difference-maker this team needs, or will he fade into mediocrity when it counts?

Alexis Lafrenière: The Clock Is Ticking

Now let’s talk about the one player whose future is hanging in the balance—Alexis Lafrenière. The first overall pick of the 2020 NHL Draft has yet to truly break through in a significant way, and the pressure on him is mounting. Lafrenière’s talent is undeniable, but his inability to consistently produce at the level expected from a top pick has left a cloud of uncertainty over his future in New York. Is this the year he finally lives up to the hype, or will he continue to underperform? The Rangers can no longer afford to give Lafrenière endless chances. This season is make or break for the young winger—if he doesn’t show signs of becoming a top-tier forward, his spot on the roster could be in serious jeopardy.

What the Rangers Still Need to Sort Out

While the Rangers have built a roster with impressive star power, they still have glaring issues to address. One of the biggest concerns heading into the season is their overall depth. While their top line is one of the most dangerous in the league, the bottom six has been inconsistent at best. If they hope to make a deep playoff run, the Rangers need to find a way to get production from every line, not just rely on their big guns to carry them. Additionally, the defense remains a question mark. Can the likes of Adam Fox and Ryan Lindgren maintain their elite play? Or will defensive lapses continue to haunt the team?

With Zibanejad at a crossroads and Lafrenière fighting for his future, the Rangers’ success this season will come down to whether they can harness their potential and find the right pieces to complete the puzzle. The pressure is on, and the time to act is now—New York cannot afford another wasted season.