Rangers youngsters leaning on each other as they learn the NHL ropes
NY Post
WINNIPEG, Manitoba — When the Rangers started the 2025-26 season, Noah Laba and Matthew Robertson were the only first-year players on the Opening Night roster.
Fast forward to Game No. 65 of 82, they are two of six total rookies who have come through the Blueshirts locker room at one point or another this season — four of whom were in the lineup for Thursday night’s 6-3 win over the Jets at Canada Life Centre.
Times have certainly changed since the first month of the season, but the brigade of youngsters has seemingly leaned on one another while navigating both the organization’s transition period and their own individual acclimation to NHL life.
“It definitely helps,” Jaroslav Chmelar told The Post before competing in the 11th NHL game of his career Thursday. “I played the last couple of games and it’s just like, you’re not going into the unknown. It’s like they help you get into it. And then when you get to know all the guys, it’s just easier. Especially, I’m not the kind of guy to just jump out of a box. I’m a little more quiet and stuff. It definitely helps to open up.”
SALT LAKE CITY — Leon Rose tried to address the bench in the summer. It didn’t work. He got a redo at the trade deadline with Jose Alvarado and Jeremy Sochan.
If Isaiah Likely was the most … er … likely former Raven to follow head coach John Harbaugh to the Giants, Patrick Ricard wasn’t far behind.
The deal that brought Aidan Thompson to the Rangers didn’t create the ripple effects that the Artemi Panarin trade did because of who departed the organization. That was only Derrick Pouliot, a 32-year-old defenseman more than two years removed from his last NHL game. It didn’t create the waves like one for, say, Vincent Trocheck, would have because of current NHL players or draft capital the Blueshirts received in return, either.
PORT ST. LUCIE — Jacob Reimer speaks of his first major league camp experience with the enthusiasm of a young player confident in his abilities.
This isn’t Mark Messier returning to the Rangers after three seasons in Vancouver.
After waiting 15 years to have a lottery pick, the Nets saw Egor Dëmin’s rookie campaign cut short, shut down early by increased plantar fasciitis in his left foot.
Lakers star Luka Doncic was fined $50,000 for directing an “inappropriate and unprofessional gesture toward a game official” during Sunday’s win over the Knicks, the NBA announced on Tuesday.
Travis Kelce didn’t look far for inspiration when he pondered a return for a 14th NFL season.
LOS ANGELES — A day earlier, coach Mike Brown made an impassioned plea to his players to take care of the ball.
The Dolphins thanked Tua for his service and welcomed Willis.
PHILADELPHIA — Wins like this have been a rarity for the Rangers as of late.
TAMPA — There are players who overhaul mechanics during an offseason or spring training and then cram in every at-bat or inning they can, determined to feel comfortable before the games actually matter.
Daniel Jones received $40 million per season with the Giants.