Rangers’ Bold Move: Berard’s Demotion Sparks Questions as Laba Poised for Breakout Season

The New York Rangers have made a pivotal decision that’s shaking up their lineup—Brett Berard is headed back down to the Hartford Wolf Pack in the AHL. For anyone keeping score, that move essentially clears the way for Noah Laba to snag a spot on the Rangers’ roster come opening night. Berard had quite the journey last season, showcasing his skills and even carving out 35 NHL games with six goals and ten points under his belt. But as things go, the depth chart and limited roster spots forced the team’s hand yet again, nudging Berard to start fresh in Hartford—where he’s expected to be a leading offensive force this season. Now, let’s talk about Noah Laba—a name that’s rapidly buzzin’ through training camp chatter. The guy was a solid pick in the fourth round back in 2022, and despite initial assumptions he might continue his grind in the AHL, Laba blew expectations sky-high. His preseason performance? Two goals and four assists in just six games—yes, he absolutely earned that third-line berth alongside veterans Conor Sheary and Taylor Raddysh for the upcoming opener versus the Penguins. It’s a classic tale of grit and seizing the moment, and honestly, it’s got me excited to see how this young blood reshapes the Rangers’ offensive dynamics. LEARN MORE

The New York Rangers have sent Brett Berard down to the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League.

This means that for all intents and purposes, Noah Laba will make the Rangers’ opening-night roster.

Berard was a standout at training camp for the Rangers last year, and it wasn’t long before he made his way up to the NHL.

The 23-year-old forward played 35 games for the Rangers during the 2024-25 campaign. He recorded six goals, four assists, and ten points while averaging 10:43 minutes.

Similar to last year, Berard was one of the last players sent down by the Rangers before the end of training.

Despite not necessarily playing badly, there simply weren’t an abundance of spots for Berard to grasp onto, and it appears as if the Rangers’ brass felt it was best for him to start the year in the AHL.

Now, Berard will likely play a top-line role in Hartford and will be one of the top offensive threats for the Wolf Pack to open up the 2025-26 season.

You may have been surprised if you heard Laba would have cracked the Rangers’ opening-night roster a few weeks ago, but it’s not a surprise anymore.

Laba’s play was the biggest storyline of training camp and deservingly so as he continued to turn heads around the Rangers organization.

The Rangers selected Laba in the fourth round of the 2022 NHL Draft and he joined the Wolf Pack after signing an entry-level contract with the Blueshirts in March.

Rangers Sign Conor Sheary To A One-Year, Two-Way Contract
The New York Rangers have signed Conor Sheary to a one-year, two-way contract. The deal is worth the league minimum.

The 22-year-old forward played three seasons at Colorado College before signing with the Rangers, and the wide expectation is that he would continue his development path in the AHL.

However, Laba exceeded expectations throughout training camp and the preseason until he made it impossible for the Rangers to send him down.

In six preseason games, Laba tallied two goals, four assists, and six points.

He’ll likely play on New York’s third line alongside Conor Sheary and Taylor Raddysh for the Rangers’ opening-night game on Tuesday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins.