Rangers Make Changes After Disappointing Season
The Rangers are visibly adjusting following a tough season that saw them at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
Jed Ortmayer, the director of player development who had a history with the team, has decided to leave for other prospects, as confirmed by Molly Walker at the Post. This departure highlights a gap in an area where the Rangers have faced significant challenges recently.
Ortmayer had held his role since 2017 and continued on when Chris Drury took over in 2021 after Jeff Gorton was let go.
There’s been a noticeable shortage of prospects, which has been worrying, especially in seasons when the Rangers made it to the conference finals.
During that time, the team had three top-10 draft picks from 2018 to 2020, but unfortunately, each one has underperformed. This includes Vitali Kravtsov, picked ninth in 2018, Kaapo Kakko at number two in 2019, and the first overall pick Alexis Lafreniere in 2020—though Lafreniere did appear to improve in the last couple of months of the recent season.
Brennan Osman, selected 16th overall in 2021, struggled despite many chances with the team, ultimately leading to a trade in March in search of a fresh start.
On the defensive side, the Rangers lack many prospects vying for NHL spots beyond Drew Fortescue, a third-round pick in 2023, who just wrapped his first year with the team. Additionally, AHL Hartford missed the Calder Cup playoffs for the first time since 2022.
Gabe Perreault made a name for himself with 12 goals and 27 points, taking on a first-line role and showing potential to help the Rangers recover from their developmental issues. His continued success will be something to watch as the 2026-27 season approaches.
Noah Laba, a fourth-round pick in 2022, also stepped up during his rookie season, proving to be a reliable bottom-six center.
However, while these developments are promising, they’re just the start of a long process to change the trajectory of development.
When Drury released The Letter 2.0 in January, the message was clear: the Rangers wanted to put more emphasis on player development.
The goal is to acquire and cultivate young talent, fostering a new era for the franchise.
Last month, the team reintroduced Kevin Maxwell, who had been part of the organization for 14 years, as the director of professional scouting and player personnel. His return marks a significant step in the ongoing organizational shifts.
With Ortmayer’s exit, the Blueshirts will have a fresh perspective on how to shape their development moving forward. Ortmayer initially joined the Rangers as an undrafted free agent in 2003 and played 177 games before transitioning into a personnel role.
