2025 Rangers Season Previews: Noah Laba

When the New York Rangers opened up Rookie Camp on Sept. 10, their top offensive line included wingers Brennan Othmann and Gabe Perreault. Both former first round picks, Othmann and Perreault were expected to compete for a regular spot on the NHL roster this season.

Between them was Noah Laba.

Selected in the fourth round (111th overall) of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, Laba is one of the few true centers in the Rangers' prospect pipeline. With the Rangers' center depth being shaky at best, Laba seeing NHL time this season is not out of the question.

Previous Performance

Laba began the 2024-25 campaign at Colorado College, where he suited up for his junior season with the Tigers. Laba also wore an "A" for the first time in his college career.

On the ice, Laba led the Tigers in goals with 10 and was second in points with 26. After the season, he made the decision to turn pro, signing his entry-level contract with the Rangers and reporting to Hartford on an amateur tryout contract.

Wolf Pack head coach Grant Potulny thrust Laba directly into the action, skating him on the second line and giving him time on the penalty kill. Laba took advantage of the opportunity, scoring a shorthanded goal in the game.

"Really fortunate that the coaching staff trusted me enough to put me on the [penalty] kill," Laba told me after the contest. "It’s something I’ve been doing for a long time. Pretty confident in it. Getting the systems down took a little bit, but I feel pretty good in it now."

Laba finished the year with three goals and two assists in 11 games with the Wolf Pack while playing top-six minutes.

During the Rookie Series games against the Philadelphia Flyers, Laba skated on the top line, centering Othmann and Perreault. He had a goal and an assist across the two-game set.

Expectations

The Rangers' center depth, as previously mentioned, is shaky at best. Newly-appointed captain J.T. Miller will serve as the number one center. With Mika Zibanejad set to skate on Miller's wing, Vincent Trocheck becomes the team's number two center. A combination of Juuso Parssinen, Sam Carrick, and Jonny Brodzinski will make up the final two center spots.

While the center depth is unstable, I do think Laba will have a tough time cracking the lineup out of camp.

Parssinen will get a much longer look under Mike Sullivan than he ever did under Peter Laviolette. Carrick's line with Adam Edstrom and Matt Rempe was one of the team's best last season, and it makes sense to have them reunite this season. Brodzinski is a well-respected plug-and-play veteran who has earned his spot as the team's 13th forward. It would take a Victor Mancini-like performance from Laba, combined with a bad performance from one of the three, for him to make the Opening Night roster.

That said, I wouldn't count out Laba playing NHL games this season.

If injuries impact one of the Rangers' centers, Laba would likely be first in line for a call-up. Much like Othmann and Will Cuylle in previous seasons, Laba could get a cup of coffee in the NHL this season with an opportunity to solidify his place on the team next year.

Prediction

I anticipate Laba starting the season in Hartford. He'll likely be the Wolf Pack's top center, skating alongside Perreault and another top winger, possibly Brett Berard, Brendan Brisson, or Conor Sheary. I'm also predicting a cup of coffee for Laba in the NHL this season. Of prospects who have yet to make their NHL debut, I think only Dylan Garand has a better shot of suiting up for the Blueshirts this year. Laba's going to be an exciting player to watch, and a strong AHL season could set him up for a permanent spot next season.

Conclusions

After his first game in Hartford, Laba described himself as "a true 200-foot center [who is] good in the D zone [and] can use my feet to create offense on the rush." In the games he's played since, Laba has showcased all of those skills. He's not likely to be a major part of the Rangers' roster this season, but you should absolutely be paying attention to Laba.