Zheng Qinwen in action during US Open 2026.© AFP

Ryan Whitney does not expect the New York Rangers to make the playoffs next season, although he believes they will be better than they were in 2025-26.

The former NHL defenseman and Spittin’ Chiclets co-host said the Rangers have too many question marks to give him confidence about their playoff chances. He still expects the race to be close and believes the health of Adam Fox could play a major role.

The Rangers are coming off a difficult 2025-26 season. They finished 34-39-9 with 77 points, placing last in the Metropolitan Division and the Eastern Conference.

“There’s a bunch of question marks. I think they’re going to be better than last year. I don’t have them getting in. I don’t. I think it’s going to be close, though. I think they’re going to come down to the wire. I think a lot depends, I guess, on Adam Fox’s health. If Adam Fox plays the whole year and pops off with 70 points, no one’s really surprised. He’s that good…I don’t have them getting in, but I think it’s going to be close.”

The Rangers were shut out seven times at Madison Square Garden. They also failed to score in each of their first three home games, setting an NHL record for the longest scoreless start by a team at home.

The New York Rangers were officially eliminated from playoff contention on March 25, 2026, during Mike Sullivan’s first season as head coach. Injuries to key players, including Fox and Igor Shesterkin, also affected the team throughout the season.

New York Rangers could have a chance to return to the playoffs

While Ryan Whitney does not expect the New York Rangers to make the playoffs, NHL insider Vin Santoro of The Big Lead sees a different outcome for New York.

Santoro included the New York Rangers among the teams he expects to still be playing after the regular season. He pointed to the addition of Pavel Dorofeyev as one reason for his prediction, noting that the forward was productive even when he was away from Vegas stars Jack Eichel and Mitch Marner.

“This team has the potential to either thrive or face challenges once more. Pavel Dorofeyev is an ideal addition for a team in need, as he possesses the ability to score at an elite level. While playing alongside stars like Jack Eichel and Mitch Marner certainly boosts his performance, Dorofeyev has also shown impressive numbers even when not on the ice with them. In the 25-26 season, he logged 403 minutes at 5v5 without either Eichel or Marner, during which Vegas achieved a 55.3 expected goals percentage and outshot their opponents by 68.”

Santoro also pointed to Alexis Lafreniere as a player the Rangers need more from this season.

“With supportive linemates, Dorofeyev is set to shine, but one player who must step up this season is Alexis Lafreniere. Despite being the first overall pick, Lafreniere has yet to meet those high expectations, and this year could be crucial for his development.”

The New York Rangers last reached the playoffs in 2024, when the Rangers won the Presidents’ Trophy and advanced to the Eastern Conference Final before losing to the Florida Panthers.