Nearly a month after weighing in on New York Rangers star winger Artemi Panarin’s future, NHL insider Frank Seravalli has doubled down on his belief that the team is on the verge of a stunning playoff resurgence—this time under the strategic eye of newly appointed head coach Mike Sullivan.

Following a difficult 2025 season that saw the Rangers miss the playoffs with an 85-point, fifth-place finish in the Metropolitan Division, Seravalli envisions a rapid turnaround. The optimism stems from a mix of veteran leadership, new coaching energy, and Panarin’s continued offensive firepower.

“I don’t think the Rangers should sell off and acquire valuable prospects and draft picks. I think the Rangers are a playoff team. I think they’re bouncing right back into it,” Seravalli said on Tuesday’s Insider Notebook for Bleacher Report.

He added: “They’re going to have new blood with a new coach, new energy. They have to defend better as a team, but maybe the coaching will help with some of that… I’m bullish on the Rangers. I think they’re in a prime spot to compete.”

NY Rangers forward Artemi Panarin expected to play a central role in the team’s upcoming playoff run. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Panarin’s consistency still a game-changer

Despite enduring criticism for not matching his regular-season dominance in the playoffs, Artemi Panarin remains one of the NHL’s most reliable point producers. “I know people have complained he’s not the guy you win with in the playoffs, but man, is he a good player and, man, does he help you win in the regular season?” Seravalli said.

Sullivan era brings urgency and high stakes

The Rangers’ offseason shakeup saw head coach Peter Laviolette replaced by Mike Sullivan, a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins and respected international coach.

SURVEY Do you believe the Rangers will return to the playoffs this season?

Do you believe the Rangers will return to the playoffs this season?

Do you believe the Rangers will return to the playoffs this season?
Possibly, but only if the defense improves
No, the competition is too strong
Too early to tell

already voted 36 fans

With Panarin playing on an expiring contract, an experienced but aging core, and a newly appointed coach ready to implement a fresh approach, the Rangers are approaching the 2025-26 campaign with a now-or-never mindset. For a franchise unwilling to slip into a rebuild, this season could be the one that defines their competitive era.