When you think about the future core of the New York Rangers, Noah Laba is a name that immediately springs to mind. From the onset of training camp through the preseason, Laba made his presence felt, catching the eye of Mike Sullivan and earning himself a spot on the NHL roster.
At just 22, Laba has not only secured a place in the lineup on opening night but has also become a fixture as the Rangers' third-line center. His versatility is on full display as he contributes in various scenarios, including both the power play and penalty kill.
In 54 games this season, Laba has tallied six goals, 10 assists, and 16 points, averaging 13:18 on the ice. But these numbers only scratch the surface of his true impact. Laba brings a unique blend of speed, physicality, and reliability that’s rare for a rookie making the leap from the NCAA to the NHL.
Reflecting on his journey, Laba shared, “I’m learning every day, trying to become a better player and make more of an impact for this team. It takes discipline and maturity to play at this level, and I’ve grown a lot in those areas by learning from the veterans here.”
Despite Laba's promising emergence, the Rangers find themselves in a challenging position, currently at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. As outlined in Chris Drury’s January 16 letter to fans, the team is heading towards a “retool.”
With several Rangers, including J.T. Miller, Vincent Trocheck, and Mika Zibanejad, competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics, prospects like Laba have a chance to shine during the practice week before the team resumes play on February 26.
Laba has also gained insight into the business aspects of hockey, witnessing the trades of veterans like Artemi Panarin and Carson Soucy. “Experiencing it firsthand makes it more real,” Laba noted. “Everyone knows it’s part of the game, and you just focus on what you can control.”
Drury’s focus on youth presents a golden opportunity for Laba to cement himself as a cornerstone of the franchise. Laba is committed to being a part of the Rangers’ future, aiming to remain in New York for the long haul.
“Whenever you’re given an opportunity, you strive to make the most of it,” Laba expressed. “I want to be here for a long time and continue to be a key player. It takes a lot of work, and I’m ready to put in the effort to achieve that.”