NHL Rumors: Insider Blasts Rangers After Disastrous Season

Saturday, April 19, 2025

Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman didn’t mince words when assessing the New York Rangers’ disastrous 2024-25 season, bluntly stating, “It’s broken,” and adding, “I don’t know if this can be fixed.” 

After missing the playoffs with a 38-36-7 record and finishing fifth in the Metropolitan Division, Friedman pointed to deep-rooted issues beyond coaching. He believes the locker room has become toxic, with players seemingly disheartened and no longer motivated to play for the organization that drafted or signed them.

Friedman’s comments reflect a growing sentiment around the league that the Rangers are spiraling. Despite a star-studded roster and a President’s Trophy just one year ago, the team fell flat this season, and the blame is shifting from head coach Peter Laviolette to the core players and GM Chris Drury. 

Jacob Trouba was basically run out of town, veterans like Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider struggled significantly, and though he remains under contract with a no-movement clause, questions are swirling about Zibanejad's future in New York after a career-low in goals. 

Even younger players like K’Andre Miller and Zac Jones showed signs of regression or inconsistent development.

The need to reshape a fractured locker room now looms large over Drury, who many believe played a role in creating the dysfunction. Whether that means moving on from key veterans, reshuffling leadership, or rethinking the team’s identity altogether, the Rangers are facing a long offseason with no easy answers.

Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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