Rangers Prospects: Noah Laba Leads Trio of Young Centers Eyeing Breakthrough Ahead of Training Camp

Rangers Prospects: Noah Laba Leads Trio of Young Centers Eyeing Breakthrough Ahead of Training Camp…read more…

As the New York Rangers prepare for the 2025-26 NHL season, attention is turning toward the future — and that future could be centered around a promising group of young forwards. Among them, center prospect Noah Laba has emerged as the leader of a trio of hopefuls looking to make a serious impression at training camp.

 

Joining Laba in the spotlight are fellow centers Bryce McConnell-Barker and Adam Edstrom, both of whom have shown flashes of NHL-caliber potential in recent months. With roster depth down the middle still a work in progress for the Rangers, these three young centers may have a real shot at cracking the big-league lineup sooner than expected.

 

Laba: A Two-Way Force with Upside

 

Drafted in the fourth round (111th overall) in 2022, Noah Laba has steadily risen through the Rangers’ prospect ranks. Known for his strong two-way play, faceoff ability, and work ethic, Laba turned heads last season at Colorado College in the NCAA, where he posted 30 points in 38 games while taking on top-line responsibilities.

 

What separates Laba from other center prospects is his hockey IQ and defensive responsibility — two traits that tend to resonate well with NHL coaches. Though not the flashiest player offensively, Laba is the type of center who can be trusted in all situations. He also made his AHL debut late last season with the Hartford Wolf Pack and didn’t look out of place.

 

Now, heading into training camp, Laba has a clear opportunity to build off his momentum and perhaps force his way into the bottom-six center competition. Given the Rangers’ current organizational need for cost-controlled, defensively-sound centers, Laba could be exactly what the team is looking for in a depth role.

 

McConnell-Barker: Skill, Size, and Potential

 

Bryce McConnell-Barker, a 2022 third-round pick, has also been generating buzz. At 6-foot-1 and over 190 pounds, he brings an appealing mix of size and scoring touch. He served as captain for the Soo Greyhounds in the OHL last season and finished with 77 points in 68 games, including 33 goals. His leadership qualities and offensive instincts make him an intriguing long-term option.

 

He’ll likely need more seasoning in Hartford, but his presence at training camp will offer a glimpse of how close he might be to pushing for a call-up. McConnell-Barker’s skating has improved, and the Rangers believe he has top-nine NHL upside. His offensive ceiling is arguably the highest of the three, especially if he continues to develop his playmaking under pressure.

 

For now, McConnell-Barker will aim to showcase his versatility and perhaps earn a handful of preseason games to test his progress against NHL competition.

 

Edstrom: The Most NHL-Ready?

 

Of the three, Adam Edstrom might be the most NHL-ready. At 6-foot-7 and 230 pounds, Edstrom brings a rare physical element to the center position. Drafted in 2019, the Swedish pivot spent most of last season with the Hartford Wolf Pack and even got a taste of NHL action, appearing in 11 games with the Rangers and scoring his first career goal.

 

Though his offensive upside is limited compared to Laba or McConnell-Barker, Edstrom’s ability to kill penalties, win board battles, and play a grinding north-south game could earn him another look in the bottom-six role. He plays a simple, responsible game and is difficult to knock off the puck.

 

The Rangers’ coaching staff was impressed with Edstrom’s poise and size during his call-up, and unless a veteran is added before the season, he could be on the short list of players considered for the fourth-line center job.

 

The Bigger Picture

 

The Rangers are entering a crucial year where balancing a win-now window with future development is paramount. They still have veterans like Mika Zibanejad and Vincent Trocheck locked into top-six roles, and Filip Chytil’s health remains a variable. But down the lineup, there is room — and the organization may need to turn to its youth sooner than later.

 

Laba, McConnell-Barker, and Edstrom each offer something different. Laba plays a smart two-way game, McConnell-Barker brings offensive flair, and Edstrom contributes size and NHL experience. It wouldn’t be surprising if all three start the season in Hartford, but injuries or cap considerations could open doors throughout the year.

 

Training camp will provide the stage for these players to show how far they’ve come and how close they might be. For Rangers GM Chris Drury, having multiple center prospects on the rise is a welcomed situation — especially with tight cap space and several forwards entering contract years.

 

What to Watch in Camp

 

As training camp unfolds, watch for how each player is deployed in scrimmages and preseason games. Laba could earn penalty kill time, a strong indicator of how the coaching staff views his defensive capabilities. McConnell-Barker will be watched for how he handles pace and physicality against pro-level competition. And Edstrom’s comfort level at NHL speed will determine whether he’s considered ready for a full-time role.

 

Expect coach Peter Laviolette and his staff to keep a close eye on these battles. While veterans will fill most roster spots, young players have stolen jobs in the past with strong camps, and the Rangers have a track record of rewarding merit.

 

Final Thoughts

 

It’s a pivotal time for the Rangers’ next generation of centers. With Noah Laba leading the charge, the organization is hopeful that at least one member of this trio can make the jump sooner rather than later. Whether it’s this fall or later in the season, the groundwork being laid at training camp could shape the team’s depth chart for years to come.

 

The spotlight is now on Laba, McConnell-Barker, and Edstrom. The opportunity is rea

l — and the race to seize it begins in earnest.