Thursday, October 15, 2026

The Rangers Finally Constructed a Winner, And It’s Clicking

  • The Blueshirts have meticulously constructed a competitive roster with the NHL’s ninth-lowest total cap hit ($75.1M).
  • New York’s third consecutive comeback win in an elimination game over a single series set a new NHL record.
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

On Sunday, the Rangers completed a 3-1 series comeback with another come-from-behind win — showing the resolve and sheer stubbornness of a team with serious Stanley Cup aspirations.

New York’s 4-3 overtime victory over Pittsburgh set a new NHL record as the third consecutive comeback win in an elimination game over a single series.

The Blueshirts have meticulously constructed a competitive roster with the NHL’s ninth-lowest total cap hit ($75.1M), adding big-money signings to a mix of veteran stalwarts and young, affordable talent.

  • Game-winner Artemi Panarin signed a seven-year, $81.5M contract in 2019 — his $11.6M 2021-22 cap hit is second in the NHL behind Connor McDavid.
  • Igor Shesterkin — in the first season of his four-year, $22.7M extension — recorded 255 saves in the series, a franchise record.
  • Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad — who both set career highs in points this season — have the respective third- ($6.5M) and fifth-highest ($5.4M) cap hits on the team.
  • Young stars Kaapo Kakko, Alexis Lafreniere, K’Andre Miller, and Adam Fox have played well on entry-level contracts each worth $925,000 per season.

Of the youngsters, only Fox — last season’s Norris Trophy winner — has signed a long-term extension so far, inking a seven-year, $66.5 million deal last offseason with the fourth-biggest cap hit ($9.5M) among defensemen in 2022-23.

Add head coach Gerard Gallant, who led the Golden Knights to their early success before taking over in June, and the Rangers’ title window is officially open.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Marina Williams-Walter Cronkite Sports Network

ASU Hockey Home Opener Marred by Player Collapse Fallout

ASU’s hockey home opener featured more absences amid an ongoing investigation.
A drone view shows the Paramount water tower at Paramount studios in Hollywood and the Hollywood sign, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., August 24, 2026.

Newly Formed Skydance Is a Force in Sports Media

The large-scale deal creates a sports media colossus.
Apr 7, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) warms up before a game against the Utah Mammoth at Delta Center.
First at FOS

NHL ‘Hot for Hockey’ Audio Shorts Campaign Is Done

The league says it was meant to be a one-week-only campaign.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/15/26 – Blake Griffin on Clippers Fine, Buck-Aikman Booth Tension, Elle Duncan’s ‘Toxic’ WNBA Warning

0:00

Featured Today

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
Cubs behind the scenes
October 6, 2026

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
October 2, 2026

How the Baseball Cap Became a ‘Behemoth’

The hat has become essential for athletes, fans, and the sports-agnostic.
Oct 12, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts relieves pitcher Kris Bubic (40) during the fifth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in game two of the NLCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at American Family Field.

As Dodgers’ NLCS Hopes Fade, Game 3 Ticket Prices Drop

Get-in pricing for Dodger Stadium games is falling sharply.
October 11, 2026

John Harbaugh’s Giants Are Contenders, Even With an Odd Tie

The Giants lead the NFC East.
October 12, 2026

Atlanta Dream Likely to Host WNBA Finals at Tiny Home Arena

The Dream will play their home games at State Farm next year.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
October 11, 2026

Deshaun Watson’s Revived Play Raises Questions About Future

Watson is in the fifth and final year of his contract.
October 8, 2026

Titans Fire Three Business Execs Amid Another Ugly Start

The moves are just the latest high-level exits and shifts in recent years. 
October 7, 2026

Buss Siblings: Jeanie Can’t Block Sale of Lakers Stake

Jeanie is acting purely out of self-interest, her siblings say.
First at FOS
October 7, 2026

Yankee Stadium Quietly Suffered a Summer Peanut Shortage

The Yankees mysteriously ran out of peanuts this summer.