Last season left scars, there’s no denying it. The Rangers’ 99th campaign unraveled under the weight of disappointment, off-ice distractions, and a fractured locker room, shaking the faith of a passionate fan base. But as the 100th season dawns, there’s a different feeling around Broadway: hope and optimism.

That hope and optimism with the New York Rangers begins behind the bench with Mike Sullivan.

Sullivan arrives with championship credentials, a 479-311-112 career record, and two Stanley Cups from his time in Pittsburgh. But perhaps more importantly, he brings a fresh voice and a new approach built on communication and trust, qualities the Rangers desperately lacked last year.

Just days after being hired, Sullivan flew to Sweden to meet Mika Zibanejad, not only to connect with one of the team’s alternate captains but to send a message about what he values most. “It starts with relationships,” Sullivan explained at his introductory press conference. “We all want the same thing—we want to win.”

That wasn’t just talk. Sullivan said he reached out to nearly every player within a week of getting the job and met several face-to-face over the summer, believing that real conversations—away from the rink, in comfortable settings would help lay the groundwork for a true partnership. His trip to Sweden even helped shape early lineup plans, with Zibanejad’s input on his chemistry with J.T. Miller likely influencing how camp begins.

This emphasis on communication marks a stark contrast to last season’s dysfunction, when frustrations boiled over, players questioned roles, and a leaked trade memo fractured trust in the room. Something “broke” during that stretch, Igor Shesterkin admitted. Drury responded by moving on from Peter Laviolette and finally landing the coach he long coveted, giving Sullivan a five-year, $6.5 million deal to lead the reset.

The overhaul hasn’t stopped with the bench. The Rangers’ defense—one of their biggest weaknesses in 2024-25—has been dramatically reshaped. Jacob Trouba, Ryan Lindgren, and K’Andre Miller are gone, replaced by a younger, tougher, and more mobile unit.

The centerpiece addition is Vladislav Gavrikov, signed to a seven-year deal, who could form an elite pairing with Adam Fox or anchor a balanced top four alongside Braden Schneider, Will Borgen, and Carson Soucy. Depth pieces like Urho Vaakanainen and Scott Morrow round out a blue line that suddenly looks like a strength.

The pieces are in place. A proven coach with a reputation for winning, a defense that’s been retooled from top to bottom, and a renewed commitment to accountability and unity.

Optimism isn’t just blind faith this time; it’s rooted in real change. For the first time in a long time, the Rangers look ready to hit the ground running.

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