New CBA, preseason constraints add to Rangers’ turnaround expectations

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, September 17, 2026

The New York Rangers are conducting a condensed 12-day training camp with only four preseason games, reducing their roster size to focus on players most likely to make the team. This accelerated schedule intensifies pressure to quickly build chemistry and improve depth as the team aims to return to the playoffs after two missed postseasons.

The New York Rangers face a compressed and intensified training camp schedule as they prepare for the upcoming NHL season under the terms of the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). With just 12 days and four preseason games—down from the traditional six—to finalize their Opening Night roster, the Blueshirts must quickly assess new players, build team chemistry, and ramp up conditioning.

Head coach Mike Sullivan outlined the challenges on the first day of camp at the MSG Training Center Wednesday. “The format changes things significantly,” he said, noting that last year’s camp featured three teams, but this season only two will participate. Sullivan emphasized the importance of maximizing limited practice opportunities, estimating the team will get about 10 practices during the 12 days, with some sessions directly preceding games.

The time constraints have forced the Rangers to reduce their training camp roster by 13 players compared to last year, eliminating professional tryout agreements and junior-level invitations altogether. Among the prospects, Alberts Smits, the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NHL draft, is the sole representative from the latest draft class. Sullivan described the streamlined roster as a necessity to focus on players closest to making the team, saying the coaches must “cut the fat off the meat.”

The compressed preseason adds urgency for New York, which missed the playoffs the last two seasons and undertook a significant offseason retooling aimed at improving depth—a key weakness cited by both Sullivan and team president and general manager Chris Drury. The organization is placing high expectations on the upcoming season, with anything less than a playoff berth viewed as a major disappointment.

“We’re going to compete,” Sullivan said. “I think we have more depth than we had a year ago. I’m hopeful our team can stay a little healthier this year, which should help us.” He added that the club has addressed important priorities to boost competitiveness and that every team enters training camp with the primary objective of making the playoffs and contending for the Stanley Cup.

With a shortened preseason and heightened expectations, the Rangers face a narrow window to establish a cohesive and ready lineup. The fast-paced schedule leaves little margin for error as the team prepares to open the regular season against the Boston Bruins.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.