New York Rangers consider forward lineup changes ahead of 2026-27 season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 8, 2026, 1:08 AM
Last updated Aug 8, 2026
The New York Rangers are evaluating potential changes for their top-six forward group as they prepare for the 2026-27 NHL season. After a difficult focus on player acquisitions and departures, a new proposed lineup could include Pavel Dorofeyev and Mika Zibanejad together, potentially separating impactful trio Gabe Perreault, Zibanejad, and Alexis Lafrenière. This follows a late-season surge from the latter line, which showed promise but may not carry over into the new season. Head coach Mike Sullivan faces decisions centered on optimizing player capabilities, in the center position, where J.T. Miller is under scrutiny. The Rangers will look to leverage newly formed combinations in upcoming preseason games to evaluate effectiveness.
- •Rangers consider breaking up three-player line of Perreault, Zibanejad, Lafrenière.
- •Pavel Dorofeyev could play with Zibanejad and Lafrenière in new lineup.
- •J.T. Miller's role is uncertain, affecting overall team deployment strategies.
- •Late-season success from the previous trio prompts reconsideration of player roles.
- •Preseason games will help determine the effectiveness of new line combinations.
- 1:08 AMYahoo Sports — New York Rangers Insider Thinks Significant Deployment Change Coming
"There are a variety of reasons why a small sample size doesn't carry over results into the next season. Still, the line of Perreault-Zibanejad-Lafrenière provided a late-season spark for a then-lifeless Rangers team. The post New York Rangers Insider Thinks Significant Deployment Change Coming appeared first on HEAVY.
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