The New York Rangers are already preparing for the 2025-26 season, and changes are expected not only in the current offseason but also looking ahead to the 26-27 season.
After finishing fifth in the Metropolitan Division and failing to qualify for the playoffs last campaign, the Rangers undertook a new change of direction for the project by hiring Mike Sullivan as their new coach.
Regardless of the changes that occur during the current offseason, there are three players who will enter the final year of their contract with the team and could leave at the end of the 25-26 season.
1. Jonathan Quick
At his youthful 39 years of age, it is very possible that Quick will retire at the end of next season, and even if he doesn't, it makes sense that he wouldn't continue with the Rangers, considering his numbers declined last campaign with a 3.17 GAA and .893 SV%.
2. Carson Soucy
Soucy, 31, is the odd man out. It is very likely that the coaching staff considers him a temporary solution until other young players like Braden Schneider (23) or Scott Morrow (22) are ready to be the second defensive pair on the LD. Letting him go would free up crucial cap space for the Rangers, so it is most certain that we will not see him with the NY team beyond the next campaign.
3. Artemi Panarin
Panarin, 33, unlike Soucy, remains a key elite player for the team. He is likely the one with the most "protection" from the front office, although his future could also be directly tied to the Rangers' performance next season. If things don't go well, he could be sold to avoid letting him leave as a free agent, though if all goes well and they qualify for the playoffs, he could be re-signed.