In their preseason finale on Friday at UBS Arena, the New York Rangers delivered a commanding 6-1 win over the New York Islanders, providing the team’s closest approximation yet to a full lineup this exhibition season. Head coach Mike Sullivan indicated that the game offered significant clues about the roster composition heading into the regular season, particularly regarding the final spots on the team’s opening-night roster.
Two players in particular—fourth-line winger Matt Rempe and rookie defenseman Alberts Smits—appear to be strong contenders for the last available positions. Rempe, skating on the fourth line, contributed an assist on Tye Kartye’s second-period goal, while Smits logged a team-high 18:18 of ice time paired with Braden Schneider. The 18-year-old Smits, selected fifth overall in this year’s NHL Draft, has impressed the coaching staff with his physicality and precise passing. Sullivan noted that Smits has “certainly made a compelling argument” that he is ready for NHL competition and described his play as that of someone who “belongs” at this level.
Competing for the defense spots alongside Smits are Matthew Robertson and Scott Morrow. Unlike Smits, both Robertson and Morrow would need to clear waivers before being assigned to the Rangers’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate in Hartford, an important consideration in the final roster decisions. Sullivan’s approach with Smits is similar to last year’s handling of rookie Gabe Perreault, who was sent to Hartford to further develop despite showing NHL promise. Smits himself acknowledged the importance of making the roster but left the final decision to the coaching staff, emphasizing his commitment to demonstrating readiness each day.
On the forward lines, Rempe’s role alongside Tye Kartye and Joe contributed to the team’s depth, while another player expected to play a pivotal role is Noah Laba. Entering his second NHL season, the 23-year-old center aims to build on a promising rookie campaign that featured nine goals and 24 points. Sullivan highlighted Laba’s importance not only for his offensive contributions but also for his ability to ease the workload of the Rangers’ top centers, Mika Zibanejad and J.T. Miller, particularly in defensive-zone faceoffs and penalty-killing duties.
During the previous season, Zibanejad and Miller logged significant ice time, averaging over 20 minutes per game and anchoring both special teams and top-six scoring roles. Sullivan expressed the intention for Laba and his line to gradually assume more defensive responsibilities, allowing Zibanejad and Miller to focus more on offensive situations. Laba’s faceoff proficiency, while mixed statistically last year, showed promise; he won just over 50 percent of his draws, ranking favorably among rookies with substantial ice time. Sullivan described Laba as “pretty good at the faceoff circle” and indicated confidence in his developing understanding of the team’s system.
Laba, who played alongside Will Cuylle and newcomer Eeli Tolvanen during the preseason, remains focused on improving his game and contributing to the Rangers’ efforts across all areas of the ice. The preseason finale’s performance suggests the Rangers are solidifying their lineup with an eye toward balancing veteran experience and promising young talent as they prepare for the 2026-27 regular season. Final roster decisions are expected by Monday, as the team makes its closing cuts ahead of the regular-season opener.