The 2025-26 NHL regular season begins Oct. 7. Leading up to the season opener, NHL.com is identifying six things to watch for each team. Today, the New York Rangers.

Last season: 39-36-7; fifth in Metropolitan Division, did not qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs

Coach: Mike Sullivan (first season)

Biggest challenge

The backdrop to the Rangers' preparation for the season has been a fresh start, moving past the disappointment of last season but using the hunger it created to catapult them back into Stanley Cup contention. There are many changes around the team, most notably with Sullivan replacing Peter Laviolette. He brought in a new cast of assistants including David Quinn, who is back in his new role after he was head coach from 2018-21. There's a new captain in forward J.T. Mill

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