A surprising new player has really stepped up for the Rangers this season.
After Vincent Trocheck suffered an upper-body injury in just the second game, the Blueshirts didn’t just lose an important part of their lineup; they also lost a prominent player in a position where they were already lacking depth.
Noah Raba’s presence at training camp was one thing. However, the 22-year-old’s emerging role as a vital middle-six player could be crucial for the Rangers as they navigate Trocheck’s absence.
“I think you can say this. [The game is slowing down for me with every rep.] It’s a process,” Raba shared after scoring his second goal during a 3-2 overtime win against Seattle. “Especially from Game 1 until now. It’s all about experience, and I really feel like I’m getting better every time I step on the ice.”
The 6-foot-3, 214-pound forward caught the coaching staff’s attention with his size. Raba led the Rangers in preseason scoring, totaling two goals and four assists, which earned him a spot as the third-line center—and he’s only taken on more responsibility since then.
Recently, head coach Mike Sullivan opted to shift Artemi Panarin, JT Miller, and Mika Zibanejad to the top line due to some offensive struggles, meaning someone had to fill in that top-six gap.
In Seattle, Raba found himself skating between Will Quill and Alexis Lafreniere in the second-line center position.
That trio performed exceptionally well, dominating 5-on-5 play for over 11 minutes against the Kraken, outscoring their opponents 6-1 with an impressive expected goals percentage of 77.45. Raba and his line not only looked for the puck but also occupied space effectively while maintaining speed that was tough for opponents to handle.
Among Rangers who have played in all 13 games this season, Raba boasts the highest scoring rate.
“His game keeps improving right in front of our eyes,” Sullivan commented on Raba, who has four points and a plus-3 rating so far. “He’s playing confidently and has a hungry mindset. You can see his speed and how he excels in forechecks—he’s won quite a few foot races. But what stands out most is his composure. He positions himself well, and any mistakes he does make seem to stem from enthusiasm. Plus, he has a knack for the game.”
“Now he’s holding onto the puck more, making plays, and those goals felt like they just naturally came to him,” Sullivan added.
Looking back at Raba’s first NHL training camp, the Rangers probably had no inkling of how significant his contributions would become this season.
Trocheck is back skating in New York and can return from long-term injured reserve anytime now.
While it may take some time for the 32-year-old to adjust back into the game, once he’s ready, the Rangers could find themselves with more depth in the center than anyone anticipated.
There seems to be something special about the 111th overall pick in 2022.
“It’s really exciting,” Raba noted regarding his promotion. “Being on the second line is a great opportunity, and I want to make the most of it to help the team win. That’s all I care about.”
