2026 Rangers Report Card: Noah Laba

This article is part of an ongoing series of Rangers Report Cards, grading the performance of each member of the 2025-26 New York Rangers. To view more report cards in this series, go here. 

To read the Season Preview for Noah Laba, go here.

On March 18, 2025, Noah Laba officially turned pro. The Colorado College product inked his entry-level contract with the New York Rangers after being drafted by the team 111th overall in 2022. He reported to the Hartford Wolf Pack on an amateur tryout contract, posting three goals and two assists across 11 games to end the season.

Just 14 months later, Laba looks to be a mainstay for the New York Rangers. He earned a spot on the opening night roster following a torrid training camp. After a solid rookie season, Laba proved that he's here to stay on Broadway.

Expectations

Laba entered the 2025-26 season with very few, if any, expectations. At the time, the Rangers' center depth chart looked to be fortified, with J.T. Miller, Vincent Trocheck, Juuso Parssinen, and Sam Carrick skating down the middle and Mika Zibanejad and Jonny Brodzinski ready to draw in if needed. In my Season Preview of Laba, I said that he'd likely be the top center in Hartford this season, but could play NHL games if injuries impacted the depth chart.

In a paragraph that's hilarious to read with the benefit of hindsight, I justified my reasoning like this:

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.

I'll be the first to say that Laba proved me wrong.

Performance

74 GP | 9 G | 15 A | 24 PTS | +2 | 73 SOG | 31 PIM

Laba initially turned heads with a phenomenal training camp and preseason performance. In six preseason contests, Laba played at a point-per-game pace, notching two goals and four assists. That incredible camp earned Laba a spot on the NHL roster, and he continued to prove that he belonged in the NHL.

For a 22 year old fourth round pick with 11 games of AHL experience heading into the season, you've got to be happy with Laba's production in his rookie campaign. Laba may not have the offensive upside of someone like Gabe Perreault, but he proved he can be a solid depth scoring option.

Another thing to remember about Laba is just how much hockey he played this season compared to recent years. Laba suited up in 74 games for the Rangers. The last time he played more than 40 games in a season was in his draft year, the 2021-22 campaign, when he played 50 games for the USHL's Lincoln Stars. Last season, between Colorado College and Hartford, Laba appeared in 40 games, meaning he nearly doubled his total this season. That's a huge jump for a young player, and point production should be expected to be on the lower side as a result.

Laba's value went beyond scoring, however. The rookie center finished fifth of the team in hits, with 105, and tied for sixth with 11 penalties drawn. Laba also blocked 34 shots this season, good for 11th on the team and fifth among forwards. Laba's always been a 200-foot player, and his willingness to throw hits and block shots is proof of that.

Laba also carved out a role for himself as a key penalty killer. When on the PK, Laba's faceoff win percentage jumped to 55.26 percent. Of players who took more than 10 draws, that was the best mark on the team, with only Miller (50 percent even) also winning at least half of the faceoffs he took.

Overall, Laba clearly earned the trust of head coach Mike Sullivan and his staff over the course of the season, and he's poised to play a big role next year.

Grades

Author's grade: B+

Banter consensus: B+

Final Evaluation

The Rangers had a difficult season, but Laba's rookie campaign was a huge success. He established himself as an everyday NHL player who can do a little bit of everything. Getting that from a fourth round pick less than 1o0 games into their professional career should be thrilling.

I got the chance to chat with Laba after his first game in Hartford last season. In that game, he scored his first professional goal, a shorthanded marker against the then-defending Calder Cup Champions, the Hershey Bears. I asked him to describe his game and play style, and his response was:

"I think I’m a true 200-foot center. Good in the D zone, can use my feet to create offense on the rush. Protect pucks down and try to create time and space for my teammates."

Laba showed all of that and more this season. He provides quality play in all three areas of the ice and is willing to do the dirty work to help reward his teammates. That's the type of player everyone wants to line up beside. Both players and coaches have mentioned that to me, with ex-Ranger and Wolf Pack forward Nicolas Aube-Kubel calling Laba "my style, fast guy, strong on the puck," while ex-Wolf Pack head coach Grant Potulny noted that Laba is a "big, strong athlete, can skate, can make a play."

Both Sullivan and general manager Chris Drury have mentioned the bottom six as areas the Rangers need to reinforce next season. However, Laba's spot shouldn't be in jeopardy. He's earned his place in the NHL, and the third line center role should be his to lose heading into the 2026-27 season.