Greetings and salutations everyone and welcome to another blog here on BlueCollarBlueShirts.com. The 2025-26 New York Rangers, currently celebrating their centennial season, are an absolute joke.
Worse than that?
While everyone in the world is fully aware that the Blueshirts are no good and pathetic; such feelings are ignored at the offices of 33rd and 7th.
After all, then how else can you explain the most expensive home tickets in all of the league today, and even crazier than that – a $1,500 “GET IN” price to attend this season’s annual “Casino Night” (now rebranded as a “Roaring Twenties” celebration – and you better hope that Prohibition laws aren’t in effect too), where once at this gala and with four-figures in dollars parted – you’ll then have the exclusive opportunity to take a selfie with Conor Sheary in a tuxedo!
Egads!
Rather than all of that, and instead, the Blueshirts should be paying their fans to attend these every one in five games shutout showings, and come the yearly fundraiser where the franchise continues to exploit their fan base as their own personal ATM – and the likes of Mopey Mika and NDA Panarin should be behind the stick, serving Ranger fans their favorite (and free) booze and brand of beer!
But much like the Rangers scoring goals – and fat chance of that scenario ever playing out!
And what a way to open our annual Mid-Season Report Card too!
As I said following the Rangers’ miraculous and how-did-it-happen win over Washington before the Christmas break, then I wasn’t going to be around on this site to recap Blueshirts vs Baby Brother; as rather than to stay in and watch it – and I opted to hang out with family and friends instead at our favorite bar.
(Wise choice, always!)
The decision to go out after shoveling snow all day most certainly worked out – as I don’t know how many times that I can keep writing the same things over-and-over again – which ironically enough – is also a remark that I’ve received a dozen times over from some of you loyal readers.
And speaking of those two words, you know, “loyal readers?”
Then, and very easily at that, and site traffic continues to drop – and perhaps ego or not – and I don’t think it’s me.
(And for those reading these very words – then thank you for your continued patronage!)
Instead, and it’s the obvious – the Rangers have sucked for the past year-and-a-half – and in turn, hockey, and this team, both niche products, aren’t exactly moving casual fans to crave more Blueshirts’ related content.
For a comparison, then the best traffic that this site has ever done was in 2015 (Presidents’ Trophy run), 2022 (Eastern Conference Final appearance) and in 2024 (Presidents’ Trophy win and an ECF appearance).
(I also wonder how my peers, both podcasters and bloggers alike, are faring these days too. But low or high numbers – and it doesn’t matter to me – hence why I never run ads on this site! It’s all about the love of the game – and of course – about selling books too!)
As I’ve said many times over ever since it happened, then when Chris Drury blew the 2024 Trade Deadline, which come the day he leaves this organization, will always be remembered as the biggest (and failed) moment of his managerial career – and that was it for many fans.
Drury went with Jack Roslovic, Alex Wennberg and Chad Ruhwedel, while also deeming the likes of Brennan Othmann, Kaapo Kakko and Filip Chytil as “untouchable.”
Elsewhere, and players such as Jake Guentzel, Brad Marchand, Adam Henrique and many others changed places – and all to varying levels of success.
(And of course, J.T. Miller, always the apple of this franchise’s eye, stayed put in Vancouver – only to then return one year too late.)
In a MUST WIN, ALL IN, season – and Drury played it safe.
Florida did not, and really, then ever since the Panthers’ 2024 Eastern Conference drubbing of the Blueshirts – and the Rangers haven’t been the same ever since either.
(In fact, then you can directly trace the Blueshirts’ downward spiral to this six-game series loss.)
Similar to their 2015 Eastern Conference Final loss, the seven-game series against the Lightning, and a septet of matches that left you feeling about 8767868969868967896969 times worse than the loss to the Bolts’ in-state rivals – and that was the end of an era too.
The 2015 ECF loss was the end of pinnacle. The climax, and sadly without the Cup no less, had been reached.
Fast-forward some nine-years later – and the Rangers are in the same boat today – and right down to waiting a bit when trying to avoid and admit the inevitable, you know, these four-words:
It’s time to rebuild.
For this particular manifesto, then I don’t have much for you about Rangers vs Islanders from the sold-out IBS Arena on Saturday night, but should you want more about another broken record Blueshirts’ loss – then I have a ton of stuff for you over on my Tweeter/X account, which you can find here: https://x.com/NYCTheMiC
But as you can imagine – it’s what you’re feeling – and what the majority are saying too.
For the eighth time this season and the Rangers were once again shutout, which impressively, allowed Sully’s Squad to maintain their 20% “blanked” percentage this season (eight times in forty games played).
And truthfully, then this number could be much higher, even surpassing the double-digit mark too, as the Rangers have had plenty of games where they finished with only one goal next to their name (losses to Minnesota, Detroit and Nashville really stand out the most to me).
Furthermore, then the Rangers, who have had plenty of contenders for “Worst Loss of The Season,” followed a 5-0 shutout by Ilya Sorokin on M$G ice by Saturday’s 2-0 Big Save Dave’s (Rittich), now at the Long Island horse track, no-no.
Then again, this was “So Rangers” too.
After all, then the last time when the Blueshirts bested the Belmont Bozos (4/10/25 – a 9-2 molly-whoppin’ of a victory), and as result – then it also allowed the Islanders to win the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery.
As you are probably all too aware of by now, then had the Rangers lost that game, then it would’ve been the Manhattanites, and not the Nassaumen, that would’ve landed defenseman Matthew Schaefer – and a rearguard that’s already drawing comparisons (whether fair or not, but either way, then they are exaggerated somewhat) to the likes of not only Cale Makar and Roman Josi, but to the holy grail of all blue-liners too – #4, Bobby Orr.
As I continue to (angrily) speak out both sides of my mouth here, then I guess it wouldn’t have mattered had the Rangers added Schaefer to their ranks anyway – and as the bountiful of evidence – Alexis Lafreniere, Kaapo Kakko, Filip Chytil, Nils Lundkvist, Vitali Kravtsov, Lias Andersson, Hugh Jessiman, Michael Sauer, Dylan McIlrath, Pavel Brendl, Jamie Lundmark, and the list goes on-and-on, would suggest!
And should the Blueshirts, in some hockey miracle, get the chance to draft the consensus first-overall pick in 2026, Gavin McKenna – then if I were McKenna – then I’m attending college for the next four years – and then forcing a trade before ever stepping one foot into a rotten Big Apple – and a New York City that will only get worse under the new mayoral regime.
There’s really nothing “new” to add after the Rangers’ 2-0 loss to the Isles.
It was once again “Same Old Rangers” – as the penalty kill looked good (5/5), the power-play did not (0-2 and a failed Carson Soucy penalty shot too), CZAR IGOR kept them alive, the FAT CATS looked dead and nobody could score a goal for their damn lives – and that includes during the final minutes with an empty-net abetted 6 x 4 two-man advantage.
But I do want to say this, as I haven’t written these words on this site yet – and time will only tell if I’m right or wrong about this:
Brennan Othmann is the Rangers’ version of an appendix or tonsils – as you don’t need them since they perform no meaningful function – and in turn – he should be excised from this living-and-breathing organization too.
I’ve really tried with Othmann, I truly have – but seriously – what does he bring?
While we’ll get more into him below; but at least I have noticed players around his age and experience level (and sometimes, younger players with less experience than him too), guys like Noah Laba, Matt Rempe, Adam Edstrom, Brett Berard, Gabe Perreault, Scott Morrow, Matthew Robertson, et al – but I have yet to notice Othmann, outside of having his face pummeled by a Flyer.
I’m not there, which is my way of saying that I don’t know if it’s a development issue or not.
Sometimes, and like gambling, you just back a loser.
You lost and there’s nothing else you can do but to live another day.
Sadly, and for all of us?
Then the time to move Othmann was at that 2024 Trade Deadline (he was the player that the Penguins desired the most in exchange for Guentzel) – but unlike Marty McFly & Doc Brown – and we don’t have a time machine.
One Stanley Cup in 86-years – no wonder why I drink so much!
As far as anything “good” to take place on the ice at IBS on Saturday night?
Then, and in a moment that united both sides of this warring rivalry, the following:
104 year old World War 2 Veteran Dominick Critelli performed the National Anthem on the saxophone at tonight’s game! pic.twitter.com/m0v0WT6L2Y
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) December 28, 2025
A 104 year-old WW2 veteran belted out our National Anthem on his trusty saxophone – yet – and the Rangers couldn’t be bothered to be inspired by such a monumental event.
Quite sad when you think about it.
It’s tough to feign much enthusiasm or excitement about this centennial crew.
Heck, going into the season and I wrote to you that I was questioning myself about continuing on with this site – or at least with the present state of the team – as history, and writing books about it, is what I enjoy most.
Forty games down, forty-two to go (so for you math majors, then this “Mid-Season Report Card” is really the Rangers at the 48.8% mark of the season – but you’ll live!) – but I’m still here – as I guess that I’m a glutton for punishment.
But as you’ve seen many times before this season, including last Saturday night – then when it comes to “pleasure vs blogging” – then I’m going to go out whenever I can in order to watch these miserable matches.
After all, then the old expression still rings true – and boy does it ever – “misery loves company!”
And such company is better than sitting at home (or coming home after work) and writing about these regular wretched Ranger affairs – and where very often – I feel like Hunter S. Thompson when writing about them – and as my liver can attest to!
(But don’t worry, I don’t have a handgun like Thompson did – nor will I ever reach that state either – so don’t sound off the alarms!)
With all of this positivity and joy now out of the way; then at this time, let me present to you our 13th annual Mid-Season Report Card – and what an unlucky thirteen it has been for this sorry and sad Blueshirts’ bunch!
Before doling out the grades, let me give you the usual criteria that I use whenever I do these report cards:
— Grades are given out based on production, playing to their role on the team and to the contract of a player.
For example, I expect less from a fourth line and six-figure salaried player, such as a Sam Carrick or Jonny Brodzinski.
On the other hand, then I expect a lot out of a first line player and/or a high-priced player like an Artemi Panarin or Mika Zibanejad.
After all, we are playing in a salary-cap world, where teams are constantly giving up quality players, even players they drafted, in order to compete.
— To ignore the salary-cap hit of a player would be foolish, which is why they are considered and factored into these grades.
Keep in mind, to me, a player’s salary-cap hit is a stat that belongs on the back of a hockey card.
When it comes to building NHL rosters, general managers look at cap hits first. They aren’t worried about Corsi’s or whatever other nerd stat that Sieve Vagistat has pulled out of his five-hole this week.
In addition, and more times than not during this present era, then you don’t see as many pure “hockey trades” when compared to bygone eras. Instead, you see more “salary-cap dump trades” than anything else. (To paraphrase Larry Brooks, then “I. Miss. Chris.”)
— Players who have played less than fifteen games with the team, players who have been traded, players who have been injured, and players who were sent down to Hartford, are all listed in the “Incomplete” section.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly above all else – these grades are just my opinions only.
In other words – don’t get bent out of shape over them!
This is just my way of assessing the current roster at this moment in the season.
And if any grade is truly egregious, then I’m sure that you will let me know!
Last but not least, the following:
— These grades take into account every game played thus far this season – and not just what happened since the 25% mark of the season.
— Just to compare, I have listed my quarter-pole report card grades with every player applicable.
— To read the full explanations of my quarter-pole report card grades, then make sure to check out: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/qp25/
At this time, here are my grades, and my explanations of them, at the half-way mark of the season!
FORWARDS
JONNY BRODZINSKI
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: INC
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: B+
Of the older “fringe” veterans on the team, then it’s Jonny Broadway that brings the most to the club.
The former captain of the Wolf Pack, a title he only lost because of his promotion to the varsity roster, is noticeable in every game – which is something that I can’t say about 90% of this team.
Accepting of his status as a role-player, then the healthy Brodzinski has played in 25 of a possible 40 games, where during that time, mainly in the bottom-six, he’s posted three goals and five assists for a total of eight points.
While those numbers don’t exactly jump out at you, he’s also out-scoring plenty of regulars, including full-timers who have played in every game thus far this season.
It’s my opinion that double-deuces is most effective after being made a healthy scratch, as more times than not, he follows his routine one or two-game benching with a point or two himself – and as we most recently saw against Nashville and Washington.
Brodzinski, and similar to former Ranger, the Swiss army knife, Barclay Goodrow, is also available to play all three forward positions, which as a result, allows his teammates to play their natural positions.
Ever since Brodzinski started earning a regular NHL salary, then there’s been criticism about his inclusion on the roster.
I just don’t see it.
He’s been better than the future one-and-done Rangers (Taylor Raddysh and Conor Sheary) while also bringing more to the table than the likes of other previous-and-still Hartford howlers, Brennan Othmann, Jaroslav Chmelar, Adam Edstrom, Matt Rempe and Brett Berard.
Furthermore, then with an annual salary of just $787,500, then he isn’t breaking the Blueshirts’ bank either – which is something you can’t say about the FAT CATS.
SAM CARRICK
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: A+
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: A
Everything I have previously written about #39 remains true today – and right down to possessing the most team-friendly contract too ($1M annually).
Outside of Rempe, then Carrick, the only other Ranger to drop the mitts this season, has done so on multiple occasions – and has won a few of these bouts too.
More important than wins and losses on his fight card?
The fact that one of the oldest adages in old-time hockey remains – his fights inspire his teammates.
But of course, and the Rangers can’t expect their reliable fourth-line center to brawl in every contest either.
Perhaps most impressive about the ready-and-steady Carrick is the fact that he’s been tasked to mentor and carry his multiple wingers.
Due to injuries sustained by both Edstrom and Rempe, then for the cagey Carrick, he’s been centering a numerous amount of flanks this season.
Should the Rangers be sellers at the deadline (and as they ought to be), then Carrick would bolster any current playoff-bound team today – and just as he did when he traveled from Anaheim to Edmonton at the ’24 deadline.
WILL CUYLLE
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: B+
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: B-
In the case of Cuylle Hand Luke, who started the season with injury and ailments, then what we’re seeing out of the newly minted $3.9M in salary player is what we were most afraid of:
He’s not a top-sixer – or at least not yet.
But he has flourished in his normal role as a third line winger.
While Cuylle has some nice scoring numbers (10 goals, third-overall, assists 13, points 23, both fourth-overall) – then he’s also a team-worst -11 – and a dubious distinction which he shares with the club’s captain, J.T. Miller.
Cuylle’s team-high of 136 hits paces the team, and where second-best in this department, Vincent Trocheck, deeply trails him (92 hits – but in 14 less games played).
Of course, these hit totals also speaks a lot about the Rangers – as after all – then more times than not, and they are usually on defense instead of offense – yet no other forward on the team has more than 75 hits.
Cuylle, while getting a few spins on the team’s top power-play unit, has four goals to show for it – second-best to only Mika Zibanejad (7).
While his overall statistical rankings are among the best on the team; he’s also playing on a bad team too.
What I said about Cuylle during the Quarter-Pole report card remains true some twenty games played later:
“At 23-years-old, then I don’t think that Cuylle has even sniffed his prime-years yet – and now that he’s healthy – and on the first power-play quintet too – then I predict that his grade will improve by not only the half-way mark of the season – but during our annual Final Report Card too.”
ADAM EDSTROM
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: B-
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: C
It’s tough to accurately assess #84, as he’s rarely been healthy.
After all, then he’s only played in six games since our Quarter-Pole report card was posted.
Following a season-ending surgery last year, then an undisclosed injury sustained at practice from only several weeks back this year – then such a mysterious affliction has landed him back on the team’s LTIR again.
Edstrom, in 26 games played, only has two goals and two assists – or two goals and no helpers since the 25% mark of the season.
Due to Rempe being on his line whenever these two giants are healthy, then it’s easy to draw comparisons to the two Blueshirt behemoths – and where Edstrom hasn’t really used his 6’8″ and 240 pound frame to really wreak havoc – and as Rempe tries to do.
Edstrom, if you can believe it, is now 25-years-old.
He not only needs to stay healthy for a period of time – but unleash some physical prowess too – especially in his role as a fourth-line winger.
NOAH LABA
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: A
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: A+
Similar to last year – and there aren’t that many candidates for the most prestigious team-specific individual accolade – the annual Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award.
With last year’s names such as Sam Carrick, Will Cuylle and Jonathan Quick currently among the mix, then why not throw Laba’s name into the hat too?
Unlike every other forward – and you notice the rookie in every game played.
While his scoring totals won’t scream at you (five goals, seven assists and twelve points); but keep in mind that he’s not only a rookie – but he’s also a third-line center that barely gets any power-play time too.
His other numbers, such as 30 blocks and 52 hits, are also respectable. Ditto his +2 rating and 52.7% success rate at the dots.
What I said about Laba last time around remains true:
“Most impressive about the new #42 in town?
“The fact that he embraces the all-too-important “north-south” game more than anyone else – as all of his goals are the end results of crashing the net.
“There have been many games this season where the Rangers have looked listless – and where usually – Laba, among a few others (the goalies, top d-pair and Carrick), has been part of the exception.
“The sky’s the limit – but I don’t want to get too over my head about Laba here either – as after all – we’ve seen this before.
“Can Laba become the exception to this too?
“Time will tell.”
We’ll see how the season finishes, but similar to Carrick, then it may be Laba, at $870,000 per-season, that winds up as the Ranger with the most team-friendly contract on the roster.
ALEXIS LAFRENIERE
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: D
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: D-
It’s the same old story for #13.
When he gets hot, he’s hot.
But sadly, when he’s cold then he’s ice cold – and where once again – there have been more freezing temperatures than boiler and sweltering heat for the French-Canuck.
After all, then just 40 games into the season, and just like the seven other times in his career – and Lafreniere has already had two scoreless droughts of ten games or more.
Watching other first-overall picks shine every night doesn’t help either – and that includes players younger than him (Connor Bedard, Macklin Celebrini, and now, and ugh, Matthew Schaefer).
Lafreniere, who similar to his off-and-on linemate Artemi Panarin, scores in bunches – hence his 8 goals and 12 assist totals (20 points).
He’s also a -7 – tied for third-worst overall on the team.
And despite getting ample opportunities on the Rangers’ first power-play unit – and he only has one red-light to show for it.
Hardly a number you’d expect out of a first-overall pick forward – and one that’s now eating $7.1M in salary to boot.
And did I mention that he’s now in his sixth season too?
I can see why the Rangers continue this experiment.
After all, if he was to be dealt to a less pressure environment – then perhaps he’d thrive.
Then again, maybe he’d flame out like everyone else, including how his former linemates did, Kaapo Kakko (Seattle) and Filip Chytil (Vancouver).
It’s also not great that a much younger rookie, Gabe Perreault, seems to be more effective and noticeable than Lafreniere on a game-in and game-out basis either.
And we already know that Laba has been more impressive than Lafreniere too.
J.T. MILLER
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: C-
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: D+
I’ve written so much about Miller this season and all of it applies here – and right down to the Kevin Shattenkirk comparisons.
Similar to Shatty, then Miller, when embracing a new role with his team, has been playing through injury – as he doesn’t want to let anyone down.
While such a notion is both commendable and admirable; then he hasn’t exactly been helping the team in regulation time either (but he has been a hero in the 3 x 3 overtimes – you know – a gimmick that isn’t available to anyone in the postseason).
Miller, again, who has been toughing it out through injuries, has missed five games this year, and as a result, is presently on the team’s IR list.
His -11 rating, as noted earlier, is the team’s worst – and hardly befitting of a captain.
While he does have a fourth-best ten goals, then three of them have been scored in the gimmick 3 x 3 bonus times.
Take away those three 50/50 scores, and his seven regulation time goals ties him with Raddysh (7).
What I feared most about Miller, and in what I first said last year after the deal with Vancouver was made, remains true:
The time to trade for Miller was at the 2024 deadline – and not a year later during one of the worst seasons ever recorded in franchise history (2024-25) – and a god-awful campaign that has spilled into this year too.
Miller is another example of a fascinating Same Old Rangers case study.
After all, the Blueshirts traded him before he hit his prime (2018, to Tampa), then traded back for him once his prime years, in both Tampa and Vancouver, had ended.
Riddle me this Batman:
Do you ever think that you’ll see the soon-to-be 33-year-old ever flirt with 100-points at any point in his career ever again?
I don’t think so – and not with 22-points to his name at the half-way mark of this season.
At this rate, then he’ll be lucky to hit 50-points.
Another bothersome trait about the two-time Ranger is how he handles all of these post-game interviews; as rarely has he exploded, and as a result, he has taken a much more passive approach when compared to years’ past – which is also something that’s new for him.
Rather than Miller’s fiery and brash personality rubbing off on everyone else; and instead – it’s like the soft and excuse-ready Mika Zibanejad has rubbed off on him.
So much for the new leadership committee – which also includes the next guy on our report card – and a player that signed a confirmed no-disclosure agreement after an alleged sexual assault.
Perhaps team owner James Dolan should have replaced Chris Drury with his former charge, Isiah Thomas.
ARTEMI PANARIN
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: D+
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: C+
As the birdbrain beat reporters mention Panarin’s shaved head and funny flip cell phone during the rare times when he does show up – then you don’t hear none of this stuff (and just like his sexual assault allegations) when he doesn’t show up – and that includes eight different games when the Rangers have been shut out in too.
As noted before, and as you all as well – then Panarin is really the last big name, of unrestricted free agency status, left available come this year’s trade deadline.
(And Panarin has close friends in Florida, who could have the cap money due to the Sasha Barkov injury, as “The Breadman” usually works out with his former Columbus teammate, and fellow comrade as well, goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, during the off-season.)
You know me.
I’d trade Panarin – and even if he’s the best point-producer on the team.
Presently, and Panarin has 14 goals, 24 assists and 38-points – and where all of these scoring totals are the team’s best.
Should Panarin finish this season in New York, then, and just like the previous six-years of his deal – and he’ll lead the team in all regular season scoring.
But should the Rangers, in some way, some how, and in some miracle, reach the playoffs – then what?
Another no-show?
The knock on Panarin is that he has had a career more like former Ranger Mike Gartner – and not like his present peer of today, Matthew Tkachuk.
And when the Rangers bid adieu to the then future Hall of Famer, Gartner himself?
Then you may have heard about that parade in 1994 – and the last Rangers’ celebration on record too.
I’m more of rebuild than retool right now – but admittedly – the last retool almost worked.
After all, then how many times have I already complained about the 2024 Trade Deadline tonight? (And where have I bitched-and-groaned about it 79867868679869869869 zillion times ever since!)
The summer of 2019 signing of Panarin ended the rebuild.
The retool fell six-games shy – and twice over at that.
When it’s all said and done, and without question as well, then Panarin will go down as the greatest free agent signing in all of franchise history.
That can’t be debated.
But there’s also baggage attached too – as away from his off-ice troubles – then he hasn’t really equated to much when it matters most – the playoffs.
Panarin will get his numbers, but he won’t get his Stanley Cup here.
He can be a nice, yet expensive, complementary piece for a Cup contender – but he can’t be the sole mover either.
And unlike any other point of his Rangers’ tenure – then, and despite his status as the team’s best scorer – and there have been far too many no show games – and where let’s face it – a lot of his scoring this year is the end result of a few-and-rare Blueshirt blowouts – where as a result, he’s been able to pad his stats.
(And that’s why the EYE TEST, on a game-by-game basis, tells all!)
TAYLOR RADDYSH
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: B-
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: C+
Raddysh, through the first month of the season, was the team’s best goal scorer (5), which much like my Panarin talk – was the result of one padded game – a hat-trick against the then lowly San Jose Sharks.
Since that Halloween Eve match (a 6-5 overtime loss, as Celebrini matched Raddysh’s hatty) – and Raddysh added two more goals to his ledger – and both in the same game too (Washington on 12/23).
What I’ve been saying about Raddysh ever since he entered the fold remains true:
He’s a nice bottom-six piece for a contender.
The Rangers are not that, and in turn, young prospects, and perhaps where they are NHL ready too, aren’t getting the repetitions that the organization needs to see before assessing both their short- and long-term futures.
When it comes to Raddysh vs Sheary, two players that I have dubbed as future “one-and-done” Rangers, then it’s #14, and not #43, that has more upside.
As opposed to the golden nephew-in-law, and Raddysh is six-years younger – while presenting more of a presence – and even if such an idea has been limited.
MATT REMPE
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: INC
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: C-
Similar to his fellow big man, Adam Edstrom – and it’s also tough to assess Rempe’s 2025-26 campaign thus far too.
A broken thumb, sustained just nine games into the season after a fight loss to former Ranger Ryan Reaves (now in San Jose), derailed the first half of Rempe’s season.
An illness cost #73 a game too.
All in all and Rempe has skated in just fifteen games thus far – the requirement to be featured in this particular report card.
During that time and Rempe has posted one goal – but he has also recorded fifty hits.
If there’s one thing for certain, then, and in the here-and-the-now – and Rempe, since returning six-games ago, hasn’t been the same player ever since that fight with Reaves.
Not only has Rempe looked less physical and more tentative – but you also don’t notice him – and at over seven-feet on skates – then that’s saying something.
In something that’s most certainly concerning, then you also don’t see Rempe crashing the net and looking for tips/deflections as he once was either.
It should be said, and also by Rempe’s own admission (he said this on the ice to the Ducks’ Ross Johnston, then confirmed as such during his post-game interview), that he’s not 100% healthy right now.
While many players play through injuries; not being able to play physical hampers a guy like Rempe more than others.
CONOR SHEARY
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: C+
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: C
It’s not that Sheary has been particularly bad this season – but at the same time – and he hasn’t been particularly good either.
In a word, then he’s been “serviceable.”
And of course, it’s what we all know too – his status as the golden nephew-in-law, one that’s used to accuse Mike Sullivan of nepotism, doesn’t help matters.
That all said?
Then riddle me this Batman once more:
How many players in the league today entered a respective team camp on a PTO contract, then afterwards, wound up as one of their top-six players?
Granted, while injuries and illnesses gave Sheary more games within the top-six then he should’ve had – but even so – and only Sully’s relative has accomplished this “feat.”
Sheary, just recently made a healthy scratch this past week, has only one goal in 35 games played – and again – that includes during all of his top-six and first-line minutes.
There’s a reason why the other 31-teams in the league took a pass on him during this past summer – and why he wanted to only play for only his uncle-in-law too – and of course – winning a championship in Pittsburgh with Sullivan didn’t hurt matters either.
If there’s one player that’s derailing any sort of youth movement (although we’re starting to see Sully move away from Sheary during the past week-and-a-half), then it’s Sheary.
And that’s not a personal knock on him – it’s just what it is.
To say what it is – then Sheary’s inclusion on this roster doesn’t benefit the Blueshirts’ future.
VINCENT TROCHECK
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: INC
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: B-
Trocheck, who only played four-and-a-half periods before going down with an injury, has now played in 26 games this season.
Similar to Rempe, and it feels like Trocheck has lost a step a bit, or at least from a physical aspect.
Trocheck, like his off-and-on again winger Lafreniere, also has identical scoring stats (8-12-20) – and where he’s posted these numbers in fourteen less games played too.
And like Lafreniere, and Trocheck’s -7 rating is third-worst overall on the team – something that would’ve been unheard of two years ago, when these two, along with Panarin, as a collective trio, were averaging over a goal scored per-game.
I still think that Trocheck is getting back into the swing of things – and should he return to form – then watch out – as he may be trade deadline bait for a potential contender too.
After all, when Trocheck is at his best, then the playoffs are custom-made for him – as he can score, hit and win an important faceoff too. (He’s currently winning 56.3% of all draws taken this season.)
At $5,625,000 per-year through the 2028-29 season, then Trocheck’s present contract contains a twelve-team no move clause this year – and where afterwards – the teams that Trocheck can refuse decreases.
With the NHL salary cap exponentially rising following the COVID-19 impact, then, and very easily, and you could see why a contender would want to add him to their ranks – not only as a third line center – but perhaps as a top-six replacement due to an injury sustained.
MIKA ZIBANEJAD
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: B-
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: C+
The polarizing Zibanejad’s scoring numbers, 12 goals and 29-points, are only rivaled by Panarin.
(Mika’s 17 assists are topped by both Panarin and Fox.)
For the soft Swede, once thought to have Selke material – then “Minus Mika” is presently -9 – and where only Cuylle and Miller fare worse in this department.
While granted, Mika has been much better this season than last year, but then again – could have he played any worse this year than he did in 2024-25?
And let’s not forget that he’s the second-highest paid forward on the team too ($8.5M) – and where I may have mentioned his contract in this space about once or 7986798677986986 trillion times before too!
Mika’s maddening power-play one-timer, with what feels has a 1% success rate, is also why the Rangers have given up a ton of short-handed goals this season – and why he’s a minus-nine too.
Of the FAT CATS, then he’s been the most consistent – but again – that doesn’t say much either.
But at least he’s effective on the penalty kill – and unlike the rest of them – isn’t as prone to turn over the puck as much as they always tend to do.
That all said – and you know me – I’d trade him tomorrow – but since he has a complete NMC – then he has this team bent over the barrel.
Similar to Panarin, quite alike for that matter, and Mika can pad the points in regular season games – but is nowhere to be found come the playoffs either.
Suffice to say – and Mika could be a good depth piece for a contender – but he won’t lead the Rangers to a Cup either.
DEFENSEMEN
WILL BORGEN
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: B-
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: B
Borgen, due to injuries and ailments, has missed seven games this season.
But in his 33 games played – and he has been effective.
Furthermore?
Then, and in a rarity – and it looks like Drury won the Kakko for Borgen trade from last year too.
Like most defensemen – then if you don’t notice them, then that’s usually a good thing.
Borgen, and unlike others, isn’t really on for that many goals against, and as his +3 rating will attest to.
He’s also chipped in a pair of points, via his two goals and two assists.
Borgen has done well thus far into his Rangers’ tenure as a second-pair d-man.
But he’s no Jacob Trouba.
ADAM FOX
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: A
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: B+
It took some time for the 2021 Norris Trophy winner to regain peak form; but sadly once there – and he sustained an injury after a big collision against Tampa – and a shoulder injury that’s now cost him thirteen games.
(However, and he’s expected to be removed from the team’s LTIR list shortly – and perhaps as soon as this Monday, 12/29.)
Despite missing a baker’s dozen worth of games, and Fox’s 23 assists ranks him second-overall on the team, while his 26-points feature him as third-best in this department.
He’s also a +4 – which ranks him fourth-overall on the roster.
Fox, when healthy, hasn’t missed a beat when playing with his new partner.
While I don’t want to accuse Fox of being injury-prone, but it should be stated that this season marks the third consecutive year where #23 has missed time (previously, two knee injuries).
Again, while I don’t see the Rangers reaching the playoffs this year (and I’ve said this since this summer), but they will 100% not make it if Fox gets injured again for any amount of time.
VLADISLAV GAVRIKOV
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: A
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: A+
I don’t really like to dole out A-pluses when the team isn’t very good; but how can I deny the newest Russian Ranger in town of such a grade?
Gavrikov, known purely as a defensive defenseman, has more than lived up to such billing.
He’s also popped in six goals – not only a career-high – but eighth-best overall on the team too.
Double four also leads the Rangers in blocked shots (62).
As the team leader in ice time (952:20, an average of 23:49 per game), he also has a +3 rating – and where in a third of these matches – he’s been without Fox as his partner.
Needless to say and Gavrikov has excelled in his first year in New York – and where you’re not missing the likes of Ryan Lindgren and K’Andre Miller either – two other southpaws that once played on the blue line alongside Fox.
SCOTT MORROW
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: INC
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: C+
Morrow, and due to the Fox injury, just qualifies to be graded here, as he’s now skated in fifteen games.
Thought to give the team some offensive pop, and just recently promoted to the team’s first power-play unit due to many failed games of the infamous five-forward group too – and Morrow is still seeking his first Rangers’ goal scored.
At just 23-years-old and not much experience either, then we need more time in order to assess Morrow.
But for now, then he’s been holding his own – but of course – and he hasn’t been a game-changer (yet) either.
Perhaps another stint in Hartford (when Fox returns) will suit him best as he continues his career progression.
MATTHEW ROBERTSON
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: B-
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: B+
Robertson, the long-time member of the Wolf Pack, continues to improve game-by-game during his rookie 2025-26 season.
Very often – and you notice him – and in both ends of the ice to boot.
The 24-year-old, more of a physical defensive presence than anything else, has also scored two goals to go along with his four assists.
He also has 36 blocks and 47 hits.
While there have been a few instances where his rookie inexperience has burnt him; this trial-by-fire experience does seem to be working out.
If anything, then you can see the potential in Robertson – and where you hope to see a prosperous peak in the future too.
BRADEN SCHNEIDER
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: C+
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: B-
Unlike others – then I’m not so down on Schneider like most people are – but at the same time – then I don’t think he’s become the player that we thought he would be when he first burst on the scene during the 2021-22 COVID-impacted campaign.
Immediately nicknamed “Baby Troobs” because of his big hits – and while we’ve seen some of these collisions – then they are often far and few between.
But at least he hits – as B-Schneids’ 85 hits is third-best on the club, which only trail Cuylle and Trocheck in this department.
While perhaps having rotating partners throughout his Rangers’ career, and as if he was living in 1960s San Francisco, stunted his development; but ever since the Fox injury, and now tasked to take a bigger role with the club – and I think Schneider is faring well.
With more ice time this season, then Schneider’s 62 blocked shots ties him with Gavrikov for most overall.
It was once thought that #4 could give the Rangers some scoring pop – and where no joke – he was alleged of having power-play quarterback material.
That hasn’t been the case – and as his one goal and six assists will tell you.
But more times than not, and he’s been defensively responsible.
While his -3 rating may suggest otherwise; then keep in mind – the Rangers have been shutout eight times, while also only scoring two or less goals in more than 70% of their games played.
In other words, the Rangers don’t score, the other team pops in a goal or two, and as a result, plus/minus ratings on this team are quite atrocious.
CARSON SOUCY
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: B
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: B+
If you can forget about his penalty shot from Saturday against the Islanders, then Soucy has played much better than anyone expected.
Heck, he’s the team’s plus/minus leader (+8), and for the full-time regular – that says a lot.
As just said with Schneider – and the Rangers rarely score – so he’s doing his job as a defensive defenseman.
Soucy has also helped the Blueshirts’ scoring woes, and as his three goals and three assists will tell you – and again – from a guy who is not paid to pick up points.
At 31-years-old, and perhaps a player for a team that’s envious for a reliable rearguard, then we may see Soucy moved at the deadline to a contender.
URHO VAAKANAINEN
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: C+
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: D
As said many times over, including during the Quarter-Pole report card – and I still don’t see what Vaakanainen brings to the Blueshirts – outside of his surname giving my spell-checker routine fits!
The 27-year-old d-man has now become a regular healthy scratch – and that includes with the Rangers without Fox.
In nineteen games played thus far, and U.V. has three secondary helpers – but no goals.
He only has 13 blocked shots and 6 hits too – so trying to assess whatever his strength is has become a struggle.
There’s a reason why U.V. is now on his third team – and come the summer – will be searching for a fourth.
Why Drury ever re-signed him last year remains as mind-boggling affair.
GOALIES
JONATHAN QUICK
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: A+
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: A+
CZAR IGOR SHESTERKIN
QUARTER-POLE REPORT CARD GRADE: A-
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD GRADE: A-
As was the case last year, at the quarter-pole of this campaign and now today at the mid-mark of the season – and goaltending remains as the Rangers’ greatest strength.
If there has been anyone screwed more than Quick has been this season by this anemic offense, then I’d like to hear such arguments.
(That is, unless you’re going to say “Ranger fans!”)
Quick, and as his team-high (and very low too!) 1.79 GAA and .937 save percentage will tell you, has been let down by the team in front of him the most.
With only three wins in nine games played – and the Rangers have pissed away plenty of points while in front of the future Hall of Famer this season.
Had they not squandered just half of these games – then the Blueshirts would not only be first-place in the division – but among the entire Eastern Conference too.
(Let that sink in.)
While it’s thought that Quick wants to stay in New York because of his family; but should three Stanley Cups to his legacy not be enough – then there will be plenty of suitors around should he ever seek a fourth this season.
(It should also be mentioned that Quick missed nearly two-weeks after being run over – but not only did he finish that game against Utah – he hasn’t missed a beat since. Furthermore, and CZAR IGOR has also battled injuries throughout the years too.)
CZAR IGOR, the highest-paid goalie in the league, has been excellent – but admittedly – not as good as Quick.
Of course, there’s always the debate of starter vs back-up, and where perhaps the aging, yet showering at the Fountain of Youth, Quick may not be able to handle a workload that he once excelled at; but when you just look at just the black-and-white – then both goalies have been lights-out – it’s just that the Rangers continue to get shutout.
Heck, should the Blueshirts get blanked eight more times this year – then they’ll tie the league’s futility record in this department (and the Blue Jackets, the franchise on the record, would love to pass the torch).
For #31, the 2022 Vezina Trophy winner, then while he does have 16 of the Rangers’ total of 19 victories; then like #32 – and the Blueshirts have also blown many excellent Shesty showings in net too.
However, and unlike Quick – and CZAR IGOR is more prone for the two most maddening things in Rangerstown, USA today – both the early and late goal allowed at the start or end of any period.
To be fair, then while most of these goals of this variety allowed are primarily on the skaters, whether it be defense or a bad change; but of course, and no one makes more money in the world to tend net than CZAR IGOR.
Many CZAR IGOR critics will tell you that he hasn’t had a game-changing match this season.
I’m not sure if that’s 100% accurate – as I think that many of these losses are all blending into the making of another terrible season in New York – and where as a result – you forget that CZAR IGOR is usually the best Ranger in any game that he’s dressed in.
That said, and more times than not, and it’s been a lesser-paid goalie, usually having the game of his life, against not only CZAR IGOR – but at the Rangers’ expense too.
The same, if not even more so, also applies to Quick.
While both Quick and Shestyorkin continue to post impressive stat lines; then it’s the one thing that matters the most to them, wins, that aren’t piling up.
And that’s on the Rangers’ pathetic offense – a total of 102 goals (28th in the league – and where they have played two or more games than everyone else too), a 19th-overall power-play (18.4%) and team that averages only 26.1 SOG a night (25th-overall).
INCOMPLETES
I thought that Brett Berard, despite no points in eleven games played, brought energy and a solid forecheck to the Rangers. But for a team that struggles to score much more than anyone else, then I can understand why he was demoted by both a head coach and general manager who thinks they have a contender on their hands.
That said, and as noted – and Sheary has one goal in thirty-five games played.
In a news update, and Berard, recently recalled in case of emergency, was just sent back to Hartford on Sunday – which may also speak to a potential Fox return on Monday night (roster purposes).
Jaroslav Chmelar, also with no points, but in only a half-a-dozen games played, and similar to Berard, brought energy to the team too. Bigger in stature than Berard and Chmelar also brought a nice mean streak to his game too.
The less said about Brennan Othmann the better – but yeah – he’s been the Rangers’ appendix.
In six games played (31 NHL games in his career overall) – and Othmann is still looking for his first goal.
Pointless this season and among the aspiring youth – and Othmann has the worst plus/minus rating (-3) – and where that number makes sense – as off the top of my head – and I can think of two plays that directly led to an opposing goal allowed.
Similar to the FAT CATS, and Othmann does talk the talk, but never has walked the walk.
Jusso Parssinen, another Euro that I was never high on, was sent to Hartford after fourteen games played.
Again, and like U.V., then why Drury so desperately desired this Finnish return this season remains beyond me.
Gabe Perreault, so unfairly attached with the “Savior” moniker (the FAT CATS should be doing the heavy lifting – not a rookie), looks like he has the makings of a varsity athlete.
For the never-to-return to Hartford hopeful, then #94 has one goal and three assists in seven games played – and where prior to the loss to the Islanders – then not only were the Rangers 5-0 whenever with their youngest face dressed – but where Perreault had a three-point streak going too.
Perreault also has a +3 rating – a most positive stat for this ragtag Ranger team.
While I understand why everyone clamors for Perreault to get top-six time; but I do think his best work comes on the third line with players around his age and who also have something to prove too – most specifically – Cuylle and Laba.
I think it’s also easier to play with guys that aren’t as greedy and puck-hoggin’ as the FAT CATS are to boot.
And of course – the quality of NHL competition decreases for a promising prospect when playing against other bottom-sixers and lower-ranked defensemen.
Do I really need to waste anymore time when explaining my grades for both Chris Drury and Mike Sullivan?
Both men get an F from me – and an EFF YOU too.
Word-salad Sully still remains with the thinking that he’s the smartest man in the room (and based on the people who work the Blueshirts’ beat today – and he is), and Drury certainly sat at the tree of Glen Sather too – as he seemingly has a fire-proof job.
We should all be so lucky.
Despite my Blueshirts’ faith being brutally tested throughout the past two-years – yet here I am – and as a bigger glutton for punishment than ever before!
That concludes this year’s Mid-Season Report Card – and where I’m not so sure if anything was truly learnt either – as I think that we all know that these consistently inconsistent Blueshirt bums blow.
For a team that’s mainly been win one, get shutout one, win two, get shutout twice, then we’ll see such an event again this Monday night when the Rangers play guest in Carolina.
Previously this season and the two teams have split wins on opposing ice, as the Canes blanked the Rangers, 3-0, back on 11/4, while the Blueshirts pulled off a 4-2 upset in Raleigh on 11/26.
After this most likely loss, the Rangers will then return to D.C. on New Year’s Eve and where just like Carolina, they are also 1-1 in their respective season-series – and a series that’s already featured a 1-0 Charlie Lindgren shutout (10/12) and an epic 7-3 Blueshirts’ win, their best victory of the season, against Logan Thompson (12/23) too.
I’d expect Lindgren, assuming he’s healthy, to get the nod for the third of four games between these two Metrosexual division rivals.
To close the holiday season, then after these two games, it’s the January 2nd Winter Classic in Miami – and against the team that you can precisely pin-point for the Rangers’ demise (or fall from grace) – the Florida Panthers.
These outdoor games can be funny, so I wouldn’t rush out to bet against the Blueshirts during their first game of 2026 – but I wouldn’t be shocked if they started the New Year like how will they be remembered for the end of this one – by getting shutout!
We can look at the standings tomorrow night – as I’ll be back late Monday with a Rangers/Canes GAME REVIEW.
And while Santa didn’t do it, then perhaps the New Year’s baby cherub can grant us our wish – the removal of a one Christopher Drury.
Thank You For Reading Note: I hope you enjoyed tonight’s annual Mid-Season Report Card – as it did take some time to put this all together – and more time than Sully spends game-planning!
And with all that said, your favorite segment and mine…
PLUGS TIME! (Buy a book and support my Rangers’ induced therapy bills. After all, I don’t run ads on this site!)
My fourth title and tenth book is now available!
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My second plug of tonight’s blog – the mandatory plug for my book, “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden.”
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For those still looking for signed paperback versions of the book, I have re-ordered more copies. I now have a few signed copies for sale at $25 a pop (includes shipping price) through me directly. Here is all the information on that:
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My four-volume set of books, “One Game at a Time – A Season to Remember,” is a game-by-game recount of the Rangers 2021-22 campaign.
My second title as an author, “One Game at a Time – A Season to Remember,” is now available in eBook, paperback and hardcover formats.
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If you haven’t already, subscribe to this blog for the next update:
Don’t forget to order my four-volume set of books, “Tricks of the Trade!”
If you don’t order through me, all four volumes are now available on Amazon.com
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Thanks for reading.
LET’S GO RANGERS!
Sean McCaffrey
BULLSMC@aol.com
Love your report cards…..inevitably agree up and down the line…..nice job, Sean!
Thanks Doug and Happy New Year.
At least your $300 bar tab was spent enjoying yourself.
Better off there than at the rink!
I’d probably give Cuylle a B or B+, as often he seems like the only legacy forward out there who cares about playing a full game. Otherwise I agree with the rest!
Time will tell if these young kids get the chance to really push forward in their careers or stall out like so many Rangers prospects.