The New York Rangers are kicking back this offseason, taking in the thrilling Stanley Cup Playoff action while waiting on the hire of a new head coach and beginning preparations for next year. But as with every offseason, there’s an unavoidable reality: some players won’t be returning once the summer wraps up.
If the Rangers are serious about shaking off the disappointment of the 2024-25 campaign and reestablishing themselves as a true contender, there are three players who stand out as ones the team should move on from heading into the 2025-26 season.
Matt Rempe
It’s finally time for the Rangers to part ways with their fan-favorite enforcer. While Matt Rempe showed some improvement during the 2024-25 season and performed slightly better than expected, the team’s need for a physical, gritty presence who can agitate opponents doesn’t mean Rempe should continue filling that role.
Too often this past season, Rempe crossed the line in his efforts to make an impact—whether through big hits or trying to shift momentum with his physicality—only to end up hurting the Rangers’ chances of winning. His aggressive play, meant to be a strength, became a liability. With free agency looming, there’s no doubt plenty of teams would be eager to take a chance on him, but for the Rangers, it’s time to move on from this experiment.
Zac Jones
There’s plenty of uncertainty on the Rangers’ blue line heading into the offseason. Adam Fox looks like a natural candidate to become the team’s next captain, K’Andre Miller stepped up in a major way during Fox’s absence, and newcomer Will Borgen proved he could hold his own after joining the team.
But questions remain—particularly around Zac Jones. The 24-year-old defenseman is a pending free agent, and it’s hard to see where he fits into the lineup as a regular contributor. Realistically, there just isn’t a full-time spot for him moving forward. As the offseason progresses, it’s likely Jones will move on and find an opportunity with another team.
Chris Kreider
This will undoubtedly be the toughest move of all. For the Rangers to truly turn the page and become contenders again, they’ll have to part ways with their longest-tenured player—Chris Kreider. A key member of the 2013-14 squad that reached the Stanley Cup Final, Kreider’s time in New York may be nearing its end.
After playing 883 games in a Rangers jersey, the franchise needs to move on from the only NHL team Kreider has ever known. With a \$6.5 million cap hit on the books for next season, clearing that space could be crucial in pursuing key free-agent targets. It’s a difficult decision, but one that feels necessary for the team’s future. General Manager Chris Drury has already indicated a willingness to explore a move, and now it’s time to follow through.