New York Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan was the first to speak to the media this morning for the Rangers breakup day. His main points suggested that, despite the shortcomings, he is still committed to this team and believes they aren’t far off from being competitive again. <\/p>\n
Sullivan says his commitment to the #NYR<\/a> is \u201cunwavering.\u201d <\/p>\n \u201cThat will never falter from my standpoint.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Mike Sullivan at breakup day: \u201cI feel like with some tweaks to our roster, get healthy again, we have the opportunity to be a competitive team.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 Colin Stephenson (@ColinSNewsday) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n He was also asked about the team’s biggest need moving forward and stated that it centered around the blue line. <\/p>\n I asked Sullivan about offseason needs and he highlighted two areas:<\/p>\n – Puck-moving D<\/p>\n – Strengthen the bottom 6 with players who can take some of the tough assignments and special teams responsibilities off the plates of their top forwards#NYR<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Sign up for Blueshirt Banter<\/p>\n The top destination for New York Rangers fans\u2014news, trade rumors, stats, podcasts, and in-depth analysis from the trusted Blueshirt Banter team.<\/p>\n No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.<\/p>\n Captain J.T. Miller reiterated the fact that it’s been a challenging year but they were happy with their play following the Olympic break. When he was asked how close they were to contending again, he mentioned “moving parts” that are “out of [his] line of work,” but that competing in the playoffs is where they want to be. <\/p>\n J.T. Miller reflects on the Rangers’ season:<\/p>\n “Since the break, we’ve really liked the way we’ve played…it was kind of a mixed bag. It’s not where we want to be, it’s not what we expected. Our goal is to compete in the playoffs…it was a challenging year.” pic.twitter.com\/mufyM5u6OD<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n J.T. Miller is asked about how close the Rangers are to being a playoff contender:<\/p>\n “There’s still moving parts and the summer…it’s out of my line of work. That’s our goal, that’s where we want to be.” pic.twitter.com\/t0fJmdLBXj<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n He also offered some interesting insight regarding the Olympics, stating he “hasn’t thought about it a whole lot since it happened,” mentioning that his priority is his job with the Rangers. <\/p>\n “The Olympics were great, but my job is to be here. I haven’t thought about it a whole lot since it happened. The priority is your team here and the responsibility you have to represent the Rangers.”<\/p>\n – J.T. Miller pic.twitter.com\/EXYC8hZeXH<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Regarding this being his first season as team captain, Miller provided some rather telling quotes, including the responsibility “might have been a little too taxing” for him. <\/p>\n #NYR<\/a> captain J.T. Miller: \u201cThere’s definitely moments that were challenging for me, like it was hard. I put a lot of weight on my own shoulders, and I think in moments, it might have been a little too taxing for me. But I’ve learned a lot about it so far\u2026 I can take a lot away\u2026<\/p>\n \u2014 Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n I mentioned ahead of the final game recap that we may have seen Jonny Brodzinski’s last game as a Ranger. When asked as much, Brodzinski mentioned that there haven’t been any conversations about an extension yet and that he will “leave that to [his] agent” <\/p>\n Jonny Brodzinski was asked if he’s had any discussion with the Rangers’ front office about a contract extension:<\/p>\n “Nothing as of yet. I’ll leave that to my agent.” pic.twitter.com\/Dwzq81cjlg<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n He went on to speak highly of the Rangers organization and his time here. Brodzinski also offered insight on the role he plays and the advice he has for the younger players looking to carve out a career in this league. <\/p>\n “I love this organization. I love my teammates here. The coaches have been great.”<\/p>\n Jonny Brodzinski talks about what it has meant to him to play for the Rangers and what his time in New York has meant to him: pic.twitter.com\/IqioZ1kAHu<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Jonny Brodzinski on his role and leadership with #NYR<\/a>: <\/p>\n \u201cLike I say all the time, it\u2019s easier to get here and it\u2019s harder to stay, and I think that\u2019s a lot of what these younger guys really need to find their role and find their niche inside of the team that they can be\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/E46u7Sg5mD<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Jonny Lazarus (@JLazzy23) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n With the Rangers being eliminated from playoffs, many of them have the option of representing their countries at the World Championships. Urho Vaakanainen was named to Team Finland yesterday. But when Gabe Perreault was asked about the possibility of joining Team USA, he mentioned he had conversations with them but will pass on the opportunity. Perreault understands it’s going to be an important off-season for him and wants to prioritize bulking up in order to prepare for a full NHL season. <\/p>\n Gabe Perreault says he won’t be playing with Team USA at this summer’s world championships:<\/p>\n “I think this is a big summer for me. Kind of want to spend more time in the gym and be able to put some more strength on.” pic.twitter.com\/W6kWNogbPg<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Vincent Trocheck spoke about the injury that left him sidelined earlier in the season. As it turns out, he was dealing with a viral bacteria infection in his lungs and was in the hospital for about a week. <\/p>\n Vincent Trocheck says he had viral bacteria in his lungs early in the season and was in the hospital for about a week:<\/p>\n “It was very scary. I thought I was dying.” pic.twitter.com\/hz7Y6GOu1V<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Trocheck was also asked about his future with the organization, to which he did not have any answers outside of “we’ll see”. <\/p>\n “I don’t know what’s going to happen. We’ll see.”<\/p>\n Vincent Trocheck talks about his Rangers future heading into the offseason: pic.twitter.com\/szibuACwJ9<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Alexis Lafreni\u00e8re agreed with others that the second half of the season was progress in the right direction. He mentioned that he wants to continued to improve his net front game and focus on putting himself in the right scenarios around the net to continue scoring goals. <\/p>\n Mika Zibanejad had the most simple, yet effective quote of the day: “I want to be here.” <\/p>\n “I want to be here.”<\/p>\n – Mika Zibanejad pic.twitter.com\/4rTjTr3Ppj<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n More from Mika, who was very firm on his commitment to #NYR<\/a>:<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been here for 10 years. I\u2019ve gone through the ups and downs. For me, yeah retool or whatever, but you just look around the league and see how fast it can go. \u2026 I\u2019m optimistic, especially with the young guys\u2026 https:\/\/t.co\/l1wqkyWjBM<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n He went on to repeat many of the same things said by his teammates, that the season was disappointing but the youth provides promise for the future. <\/p>\n “I think overall, obviously disappointing with finishing last and where we were in the standings and how the season went”<\/p>\n Mika Zibanejad talks about the Rangers’ season and the positives of seeing what their young players could do late in the season: pic.twitter.com\/P28ALfOGKE<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Zibanejad also spoke about this being a redemption year of sorts for him and how he feels he proved to any doubters that he is still capable of playing his game effectively. <\/p>\n “I think I proved to not myself, but to maybe some other people that had a thing or two to say about me last year, to show what I can do and what I’m still capable of doing.”<\/p>\n Mika Zibanejad was asked how big this season was for him heading into the summer: pic.twitter.com\/whbfKO3Ttc<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Adam Fox, who was arguably the most anticipated player to hear from today, seemed to be focused on a future involving the Rangers. He mentioned how they never want to be doing these exit meeting this early in the year and that the expectations need to be high for next season. <\/p>\n “Any time you’re doing these exit meetings this time of year, it’s a disappointing year. I think really all each guy could do is look at what they could do better next year, what they could bring a little more to not have the year go like this.”<\/p>\n – Adam Fox pic.twitter.com\/dGBdRbRM63<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Adam Fox on his expectations for #NYR<\/a> next season:<\/p>\n \u201cI think no matter what we’re always going to come in and have a high bar and try and win. I think that’s the biggest thing. I think each of us is going to come in and try and take advantage of the time we have now. I think, no\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/nHVWTUY65h<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Fox was also asked about fan frustrations and understood where the fans are coming from. <\/p>\n Adam Fox on #NYR<\/a> navigating their relationship with the fans this season after having a tough time on home ice:<\/p>\n \u201cIt sucks when you\u2019re not giving them a product to be proud of\u2026.the second half of the year was something to be proud of. We understand their frustration as well \u2014\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/Pk5U7JiW4B<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Jonny Lazarus (@JLazzy23) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Fox also seemed excited to about his defense partner, Vladislav Gavrikov, calling him “the perfect compliment” to his game. <\/p>\n #NYR<\/a> Adam Fox\u2019s face lit up when I asked how he thought his pairing with Vladislav Gavrikov came along:<\/p>\n \u201cI thought it was really good… I think he’s the perfect complement for me. As you guys know, I played with Lindy my whole career in the NHL, pretty much. Vlad has got a lot\u2026<\/p>\n \u2014 Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Braden Schneider had many of the same things to say in regards to the team failing to meet expectations, namely that they should head into the summer with a “chip on [their] shoulder.”<\/p>\n “It’s disappointing and I think we didn’t quite meet the expectations we were hoping to meet”<\/p>\n Braden Schneider talks about the Rangers going into the summer with a “chip on our shoulder” pic.twitter.com\/9X5t9jkaij<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Schneider also spoke about his uncertain future and what being a Ranger has meant to him over the years. <\/p>\n Braden Schneider on his future with #NYR<\/a>: \u201cIt’s something that is out of my control. I love being a Ranger. I’m very proud to be a Ranger, and it feels like home here. I know I’ll be doing whatever I can to be the best player I can be, and I hope it’s here. Whatever happens is\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/6e8JrD8heh<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n There was a bit more positivity surrounding the day in comparisson to last year as pointed out by Will Cuylle. Finishing the season strong and getting support from the younger players playing a key role in that. <\/p>\n #NYR<\/a> Will Cuylle on the feeling of leaving this year vs. last year:<\/p>\n \u201cThis year we leave with a bit more excitement because it felt like we finished the season the right way, playing hard despite our position in the standings. I\u2019d say this year it\u2019s a little more exciting going\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/GEzRaL1e2i<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Jonny Lazarus (@JLazzy23) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Noah Laba reflected on what he gained from his first full season in the NHL and how he will take that into the off-season. He also mentioned that he’s attempting to learn how to play guitar in his free time outside of training. If he needs a teacher, I’m sure Roberto<\/a>, Tom<\/a>, or myself<\/a> can help him out. <\/p>\n Noah Laba says he’ll be taking “a ton” from this season:<\/p>\n “I definitely learned a lot and excited to kind of take that into the summer.” pic.twitter.com\/8rpC6Ygl5I<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Noah Laba says he’s trying to learn how to play guitar:<\/p>\n “Just something to get the mind off the phone and try to do something else.” pic.twitter.com\/LtBHNucEae<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n One of the newer Rangers, Tye Kartye spoke about his transition to the team and the warm-welcome he received from this group. <\/p>\n “The guys were great and they made it real easy for me”<\/p>\n Tye Kartye talks about his transition to the Rangers: pic.twitter.com\/qEpJL7Dso0<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Jaroslav Chmelar spoke about his “vision board” for the summer and how he’s “as hungry as [he’s] ever been.” <\/p>\n #NYR<\/a> Jaroslav Chmela\u0159: \u201cI mean, I’m as hungry as I’ve ever been. I’m gonna put a lot of things on my vision board in the summer, and hopefully it will come true. I’m gonna work my ass off to get here and get here next year.\u201d <\/p>\n A vision board \ud83e\udd79 pic.twitter.com\/8Qqp9eR0DN<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Another Ranger that will head to the World Championships to represent his country (Slovakia), Adam Sykora explained how it was his goal to “get here and stay here.” He was all smiles as he spoke about his eleven games with the Rangers this season. <\/p>\n “It was one of my goals to get here and stay here”<\/p>\n Adam S\u00fdkora talks about achieving his goal of making it to the NHL: pic.twitter.com\/1wtE4edTdN<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Matthew Robertson credited confidence as the trait that helped him grow his game the most this season. <\/p>\n Matthew Robertson was asked where he thinks his game grew the most this season:<\/p>\n “Probably my confidence, just knowing I can play in the NHL” pic.twitter.com\/6iEBAa9fIf<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Another bold quote from the day came from Matt Rempe who had an injury plagued season. The fan-favorite stated that he plans to “come back with a vengeance” next season, mentioning how frustrating it was to miss so much time this year. <\/p>\n “I’m just going to come back with a vengeance”<\/p>\n Matt Rempe talks about how frustrating his season was after missing so many games: pic.twitter.com\/YlfWIcQjlV<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Rempe had a second surgery on his thumb and is continuing to make progress with the rehab process. He’s able to grip the stick and has restored movement which is an encouraging sign. <\/p>\n Matt Rempe had a second surgery on his left thumb after he came out of the lineup for the final time and showed us that much of the movement has been restored. Still a lot of rehab to do, but he can grip the stick again and has resumed some upper-body work.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s come along a\u2026<\/p>\n \u2014 Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Rempe was asked about the potential competition for roster spots next season and viewed it as a positive thing. He also provided interesting insight on what he learned from the injury, explaining how he’s the type of guy who always wants to go but learned that he needed “more talking” presumably when it comes to making those decisions. <\/p>\n “You want competition. You want to earn your spot.”<\/p>\n Matt Rempe talks about potentially competing with some of the Rangers’ other young players for a roster spot: pic.twitter.com\/PIrx5s5dZ0<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Did #NYR<\/a> Matt Rempe learn a lesson from this injury experience? <\/p>\n \u201cIt was kind of my first ever surgery. I think, maybe, learning to be more honest about how it\u2019s feeling per se. And that\u2019s a good lesson because I feel like I\u2019m the type of guy who just wants to go. If I can play,\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/8edTSDTFan<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Adam Edstrom, who was impacted by injuries of his own, spoke about the challenges he faced, playing with a fracture in his ankle for a month and a half. <\/p>\n #NYR<\/a> Adam Edstr\u00f6m said he had a fracture in his ankle that he played through for almost six weeks. <\/p>\n \u201cEventually, me and the doctors made a decision together that was best for me and the longevity of my career. So I ended up having surgery on that in December.\u201d pic.twitter.com\/i6OYTZPTmh<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Long Island-native Drew Fortescue spoke about what it meant to play at MSG having grown up so close to the city as well as what will stay with him from the experiences from this season. <\/p>\n “Playing at MSG in the state I grew up in, 30 minutes from my house, it’s something I’ll never forget.”<\/p>\n Drew Fortescue talks about what will stay with him the most from this season: pic.twitter.com\/0JoKO7BHTW<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) April 17, 2026<\/a> Dylan Garand alluded to this a bit after his start in the final game of the regular season, but he spoke about how he’s hungry to be here and wants to be the number two goalie to start next season. <\/p>\n “I’m hungry to be here and it’s an exciting opportunity moving forward.”<\/p>\n Dylan Garand talks about wanting to be with the Rangers and the opportunity ahead of him moving forward: pic.twitter.com\/OBYXgUXIzp<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Igor Shesterkin believes that Garand has a promising future in this league. <\/p>\n Igor Shesterkin says that Dylan Garand has a “bright future” pic.twitter.com\/0yiJ9CLw3w<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Shesterkin also spoke about his individual season and how he believes he can be even better moving forward. <\/p>\n “I could play way better, for sure”<\/p>\n Igor Shesterkin talks about his season as a whole: pic.twitter.com\/M9RQT0oAFN<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Shesterkin was also asked about the effect the young players had on the Rangers towards the end of the season, said that the team “loves to play with them”. <\/p>\n “We love to play with them”<\/p>\n Igor Shesterkin talks about the boost the Rangers got from their young players near the end of the season: pic.twitter.com\/up9ZIxI5Lc<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Lastly, Shesterkin mentioned the impact Jonathan Quick has had on him and the team across the last few seasons. <\/p>\n “He’s an amazing person and an amazing player. It was honor for me to share the locker room with him and be the guy who sits next to him.”<\/p>\n Igor Shesterkin talks about his relationship with Jonathan Quick: pic.twitter.com\/nXMPWfgagv<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) April 17, 2026<\/a> To wrap up the day, general manager Chris Drury spoke to the media but didn’t appear to offer much insight. When asked how long it would take for this team to be competitive again, he essentially chose not to answer the question. <\/p>\n Asked how close the Rangers are to having a playoff roster, Chris Drury said, \u201cI\u2019m not going to get into timelines.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Drury did agree with Sullivan’s comments, suggesting that defense is one of the bigger areas of improvement for this group moving forward. <\/p>\n On with #NYR<\/a> GM Chris Drury now.<\/p>\n Asked about team needs for the summer, he pointed to Sullivan’s comments from this morning about puck-moving D and bottom-six forwards.<\/p>\n “I thought those were two good comments by him and two specific areas.”<\/p>\n \u2014 Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n When asked specifically about the top six forwards and if there needs to be improvements there, Drury weighed both sides, suggesting there were answers in the room, but are “always looking at tweaking and looking at ways to get more scoring”. <\/p>\n Does Drury think they need to upgrade top 6?<\/p>\n “We’re always looking at tweaking and looking at ways to get more scoring… I think playing a team game that we did down the stretch and not relying on one person. Spreading out the scoring is always a good way to look at things, and\u2026<\/p>\n \u2014 Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Presented with the fact that Jaroslav Chmela\u0159 and Adam S\u00fdkora emerged for bottom-six roles, #NYR<\/a> GM Chris Drury was asked about how he sizes up his top six and if there’s enough there:<\/p>\n “Those are certainly going to be great candidates and options, the kids you mentioned, moving\u2026<\/p>\n \u2014 Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n While Drury praised Dylan Garand’s efforts late in the season, he did mention they will explore options. <\/p>\n #NYR<\/a> GM Chris Drury praised Dylan Garand for what he’s shown so far, but in regards to the No. 2 role:<\/p>\n “We’re certainly looking at him, among other options, as to see who could be backup.”<\/p>\n \u2014 Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Drury, of course, was also asked about The Letter 2.0. <\/p>\n Drury said “the intent with the letter was to communicate with our fans,” but fans are wondering what comes next, so I asked him what his message would be to them about offseason priorities and where #NYR<\/a> goes from here:<\/p>\n “It’s so raw and so new. I mean, we touched on a few\u2026<\/p>\n \u2014 Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n In regards to any other potential changes…<\/p>\n Asked if any other changes are coming to #NYR<\/a>, specifically to amateur scouting or player development, Drury said everything is still “pretty fresh” and vaguely added, “We’re looking at every department.”<\/p>\n \u2014 Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Drury also spoke about the upcoming lottery pick in the 2026 draft. <\/p>\n With a top-5 draft pick incoming, what does Drury see as some of the mistakes and lessons learned from previous high picks that haven’t worked out?<\/p>\n “It’s hard to say. I’m not considering talk about past draft picks that I was not in charge of. There\u2019s factors that go into every\u2026<\/p>\n \u2014 Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) April 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n
\nGoalie Quotes <\/p>\n
\nChris Drury <\/p>\n