Rangers’ Bottom-6 Forwards Off to a Strong Start

The New York Rangers' overhauled bottom-six forward group has started the season strongly, aiding in consecutive victories over the Tampa Bay Lightning and Detroit Red Wings. Following offseason additions by general manager Chris Drury, the third line consisting of Will Cuylle, free-agent signing Eeli Tolvanen, and rookie center Noah Laba has provided both offensive contributions and reliable defensive play.

The bottom six has also anchored a penalty kill unit that successfully killed all 10 penalties across the opening three games. Fourth-line contributors, including new signing Joe Veleno alongside Tye Kartye, Matt Rempe, and Jaroslav Chmelar, have added physical forechecking and shutdown capability to compensate for offseason top-six departures.