🧱 Building from the Bottom: How the Rangers’ Depth Signings Could Define Their 2025–26 Season… Read more…
While blockbuster trades and superstar rumors often dominate the NHL offseason headlines, it’s the quieter, calculated moves that often separate contenders from pretenders. The New York Rangers, in the midst of reshaping their identity under new head coach Mike Sullivan, have not only overhauled their top-tier talent but also quietly revamped their roster depth—a vital ingredient for a grueling 82-game season and a potential Stanley Cup run.
From strategic re-signings to budget-friendly acquisitions, the Rangers’ front office has focused on reinforcing the bottom half of their lineup with players who bring speed, grit, and flexibility. These signings may not have drawn splashy headlines, but they could prove pivotal as the team looks to compete in a tight Metropolitan Division.
Here’s a breakdown of the most significant depth additions, and what they could mean for the Rangers’ season ahead.
🖊️ Taylor Raddysh: Scoring Upside with Grit
The signing of Taylor Raddysh to a two-year, $3 million deal was a low-risk, high-reward move. The 27-year-old winger had a quiet season last year in Chicago, but he showed flashes of scoring potential in 2023–24 when he tallied 20 goals.
Raddysh is expected to slide into a bottom-six role in New York, potentially lining up alongside Filip Chytil or Barclay Goodrow. What makes him valuable is his ability to generate offense at even strength, while also being defensively responsible. Sullivan will likely use him as a swing forward—one who can move up or down the lineup depending on injuries and matchups.
More importantly, Raddysh brings playoff-style hockey to the table. He doesn’t shy away from the boards, plays a strong north-south game, and can contribute on the second power-play unit if needed. If he regains his confidence in a system like Sullivan’s, he could be one of the sneakiest signings of the offseason.
🛡️ Derrick Pouliot: Experience and Two-Way Depth
Veteran defenseman Derrick Pouliot was signed to a two-year, two-way deal, offering the Rangers reliable coverage in case of injuries or inconsistent play in their defensive core. The 31-year-old has bounced around between NHL and AHL squads in recent years, but he brings valuable experience to an organization that saw several defensive exits this summer.
With K’Andre Miller gone and younger defenders like Zac Jones and Scott Morrow potentially earning bigger roles, Pouliot offers a steady hand in case of disruption. He won’t be expected to play every night, but his presence as a depth defenseman ensures New York isn’t caught off guard should injuries hit the blue line.
In training camp, Pouliot will likely battle for a seventh defenseman role. Even if he starts the season in Hartford (AHL), his call-up potential adds a layer of insurance the Rangers didn’t have last year.
🔄 Will Cuylle: Homegrown Power Forward Earns His Deal
One of the biggest internal moves came with the re-signing of Will Cuylle, who inked a two-year, $7.8 million extension following a breakout campaign. Cuylle notched 20 goals and emerged as one of the Rangers’ most dependable two-way forwards. He combines size, speed, and an aggressive forecheck—hallmarks of a Mike Sullivan system.
Cuylle is expected to take on an even bigger role this year, possibly anchoring the third line and serving as a shutdown forward on the penalty kill. His physical presence adds bite to a Rangers team that sometimes appeared too passive last season.
Most importantly, Cuylle’s extension sends a message to the rest of the Rangers’ young core: perform, and you’ll be rewarded. It’s part of a larger cultural shift in New York—away from relying on free agents and toward trusting player development.
🔁 Depth by Design: Why These Moves Matter
The 2024–25 season exposed several vulnerabilities in the Rangers’ roster. When injuries struck or when top players slumped, the lack of reliable depth made it nearly impossible for the team to compete consistently—especially in the playoffs. Drury’s offseason approach has directly addressed those issues.
By signing versatile, low-cost players like Raddysh and Pouliot while investing in developing talent like Cuylle, the Rangers have created a roster with balance, flexibility, and internal competition. That’s exactly what new coach Mike Sullivan wants.
Under Sullivan’s tenure in Pittsburgh, depth players like Bryan Rust, Conor Sheary, and Patric Hörnqvist routinely stepped up in the postseason. He knows how to get the most out of overlooked players—and he’ll be expected to do the same in New York.
🧮 Projected Bottom-Six (As of Training Camp)
| Line | Player 1 | Player 2 | Player 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd | Will Cuylle | Filip Chytil | Taylor Raddysh |
| 4th | Barclay Goodrow | Jonny Brodzinski | Kaapo Kakko |
Extra forwards: Brennan Othmann, Matt Rempe
Defense Depth: Derrick Pouliot, Connor Mackey
This setup gives Sullivan multiple options depending on opponent style, fatigue, and injuries. It also gives the Rangers better zone exits, more board battles won, and stronger transition play—all essential for postseason success.
🎯 Conclusion: Championship Teams Are Built from the Bottom Up
The stars will still carry much of the weight in New York. But if the Rangers are to go deep into the playoffs, they’ll need their third and fourth lines to step up—and their backup defenders to be ready. That’s where players like Taylor Raddysh, Will Cuylle, and Derrick Pouliot come into play.
In many ways, this year’s success will be determined not just by how Panarin or Fox perform, but by whether the team’s new depth can sustain them through adversity. If these offseason signings hit the mark, the Rangers may finally have the complete, well-rounded squad they’ve been searching for.
And come spring, it might be these under-the-radar names we remember most.
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