As the Rangers prepare for the 2025-26 season, it’s clear that their top seven defensemen are largely determined, even if the forward lineup still needs some final decisions. The top six were confirmed during a recent game against the Bruins, which the Rangers lost 4-1, wrapping up their preseason with a record of 2-3-1.
Head coach Mike Sullivan revealed what looks to be the Rangers’ defensive lineup for their opening night against the Penguins at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday. The pairing of Adam Fox and Vladislav Gavrikov, who recently signed a seven-year, $49 million contract with the Rangers after coming over from Los Angeles, is set to lead the defense.
The second pair will consist of Carson Soucy and Will Borgen, two players who have previously teamed up in Seattle. Meanwhile, Braden Schneider will be coupled with Urho Vaakanainen in the third pairing; Vaakanainen had some ice time last season.
Borgen spoke about his chemistry with Soucy, recalling their prior time in Seattle and mentioning that it feels good to play alongside him again, both on and off the ice.
Prior to the Soucy-Borgen duo taking the ice, the Vaakanainen-Schneider pair was present during Boston’s first goal.
Matthew Robertson officially took on the seventh defenseman role after Scott Morrow was assigned to Hartford earlier this week. It’s not surprising, though, to expect further changes if injuries arise.
Igor Shesterkin was in goal for all of Saturday’s game in Boston, stopping 12 of the 15 shots he faced.
Noraba scored a goal for the Rangers during a power play, finishing the preseason with two goals and four assists.
Matt Lempe stood out by recording nine hits in the game against the Bruins.
After being released from a professional tryout with the Rangers, defenseman Andrei Sust has signed a PTO with Bridgeport, the AHL affiliate of the Islanders.
The Rangers will head to Rhode Island for some off-ice bonding on Sunday and will hit the ice for practice at the Boss Ice Arena at the University of Rhode Island on Monday.
