The New York Rangers have faced their share of challenges early in the 2025–26 season. A winless home record, ongoing inconsistency, and several key injuries have already left a significant impact on their campaign.
One of the most damaging setbacks has come at the center position, where Vincent Trocheck suffered an upper-body injury and was placed on long-term injured reserve on October 15. There’s still no timetable for his return to full strength.
Without Trocheck, the Rangers have clearly missed his energy and leadership. While a few players have stepped up in his absence, the lineup hasn’t been the same without No. 16 anchoring the middle.
The big question now: can head coach Mike Sullivan find a viable stopgap solution until Trocheck makes his way back to the ice?
Vincent Trocheck was poised to spend another full season centering Artemi Panarin’s line, but that plan fell apart quickly as Trocheck has only suited up for the first two games of the year. Since then, line shuffling and the reintroduction of Mika Zibanejad, who’s shifted back to center from wing, have been attempts to patch the gap down the middle.
Those adjustments have provided only a temporary fix, leaving room for others to step up — namely captain J.T. Miller and rookie Noah Laba.
With Trocheck sidelined, Zibanejad has reclaimed his role as the top-line center, while Miller has slid into the second-line spot. Zibanejad has looked sharper than last season, consistently generating offensive chances each night.
After battling his own early injuries, Miller appears to be back on track, showing steady production with two goals and four assists through nine games. He’s also been strong in the faceoff circle, providing some of the reliability Trocheck typically brings.
Until Trocheck returns, it’s Miller’s job to lead the second line. Laba continues to develop well in his rookie season but isn’t quite ready to seize a top-six role. For now, Miller remains the Rangers’ best internal solution — not an ideal replacement, but a capable one.