Rangers Have Options Galore for Fourth Line Ahead of Training Camp
The Rangers' top nine forwards look set. The fourth line does not—with veterans, prospects, and one notoriously divisive winger all fighting for a handful of spots.
After a flurry of trades and signings between the 2026 NHL Draft and the opening of unrestricted free agency on July 1, the New York Rangers and head coach Mike Sullivan will have plenty of decisions to make when it comes to establishing an identity and personnel for the fourth line in training camp.
With the acquisitions of Pavel Dorofeyev and Oliver Bjorkstrand, the Rangers' top nine forward seem to be relatively set, with some mix of Mika Zibanejad, Gabe Perreault, Alexis Lafreniére, J.T. Miller, Dorofeyev, Bjorkstrand, Will Cuylle, Noah Laba, and Tye Kartye all slated to play significant roles. But the fourth line could very well end up as a fascinating storyline during training camp and preseason—if not into the regular season as well.
During the 2025-26 regular season, the Rangers had a rotating cast on the fourth line, but one of the mainstays was Sam Carrick—since traded to Buffalo. Another common face was Adam Edstrom, who was dealt to the Nashville Predators this summer. Brett Berard, who was sent to Montreal for AHL defenseman William Trudeau, also got some looks, and the ever-dependable flex-player Jonny Brodzinski signed as a free agent in Washington.
This opens the door for lots of movement for both younger players hoping to earn a roster spot and places for new acquisitions to solidify.
