The New York Rangers have been one of the most closely watched NHL franchises when it comes to the development of their prospect pipeline, and fans hoping to see the emergence of their next big star were dealt a jarring blow this week. In a somber announcement that echoed throughout the Rangers community, one of their most anticipated young talents confirmed a piece of troubling news that could have a significant impact on the upcoming 2025-26 NHL season. The news centers around top prospect Liam Gilmartin, whose recent medical update has not only dampened expectations for his immediate future but has also raised deeper questions about how the organization will move forward without him.
Gilmartin, a 21-year-old power forward originally drafted by the Rangers in the third round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, had been projected by many within the organization and among NHL scouts as a breakout candidate for the upcoming season. After a steady progression through the minor leagues, including standout performances with the Hartford Wolf Pack and a dominant international showing with Team USA’s U23 development squad, Gilmartin had been all but penciled in to challenge for a bottom-six role on the Rangers’ NHL roster. That projection, however, has now been thrown into jeopardy.
On Monday morning, Gilmartin released a statement through the team’s official communications channel that he had suffered a significant setback during his offseason training in Toronto. The injury, initially described as a “lower-body ailment,” was revealed to be a partially torn ACL in his right knee. While the injury does not immediately require full reconstructive surgery, the nature of the tear and the doctors’ recommendation for rehabilitation instead of immediate surgery introduces an uncertain timetable. According to team doctors, Gilmartin is expected to miss at least the first three months of the season, though that estimate could extend longer if his recovery does not go according to plan.
“I’m obviously heartbroken,” Gilmartin said in his statement. “You spend the whole offseason trying to get stronger, faster, more prepared to take that next step, and this just came out of nowhere. One wrong movement in a training drill, and everything changes. But I’m going to attack this rehab process with everything I’ve got. I’m not giving up on this season.”
The injury couldn’t have come at a more frustrating time, both for the player and for the team. The Rangers are in a transition period following their 2024-25 campaign, where they once again fell short of reaching the Stanley Cup Finals despite boasting one of the league’s most talented rosters. With aging veterans like Chris Kreider and Barclay Goodrow possibly playing their final seasons in New York, the door was opening for younger players to stake a claim. Gilmartin had been one of the top candidates to inject youthful energy and physicality into the lineup. His ability to play both wings, kill penalties, and drive hard to the net made him a coaching staff favorite heading into training camp.
For the Rangers’ front office, led by general manager Chris Drury, this development represents a pivot point. With Gilmartin potentially sidelined through the holidays or even longer, the team may now be forced to accelerate the readiness of other prospects or consider external veteran options to shore up their forward depth. Among the prospects that could benefit from Gilmartin’s misfortune are Adam Sýkora and Brett Berard, both of whom impressed during last year’s AHL campaign and have received invites to the main camp. However, Gilmartin’s combination of physicality, leadership, and maturity is not something that can be easily replicated, especially when building out a bottom-six forward corps meant to endure the grind of an 82-game season.
Injury setbacks are not unfamiliar in the world of hockey, but what’s particularly unsettling in this case is how well Gilmartin had positioned himself heading into the season. Analysts had noted significant improvements in his skating stride and puck protection over the last 12 months. His plus-minus rating with Hartford improved markedly, and his average ice time increased as he earned the trust of coaches in all situations. His offseason work had also reportedly included high-performance sessions with renowned skating coach Barb Underhill, suggesting he was doing all the right things to elevate his game. Now, all of that progress will be tested not on the ice, but in the rehab room.
“Liam was on track for something special this year,” said Rangers assistant coach Gord Murphy, who worked closely with Gilmartin during summer development camp. “He’s got the mindset of a pro and the character you want in your locker room. It’s tough news, but we believe in him and know he’ll come back stronger.”
Though ACL injuries can be notoriously unpredictable, the team’s medical staff has expressed cautious optimism. Because the tear is partial and not full-thickness, Gilmartin and his team opted for an aggressive rehab approach to preserve the integrity of the knee joint and avoid more invasive surgical solutions. This carries risk—there’s always the chance that the ligament doesn’t respond to conservative treatment—but if successful, it could allow him to return to action without the additional recovery time associated with full surgical repair. Still, given the physical demands of his position and playing style, even a small compromise in mobility or explosiveness could impact his effectiveness long term.
The Rangers’ fan base has responded with a mixture of sympathy and concern. Gilmartin had become something of a cult favorite due to his gritty play and leadership off the ice. His community involvement with youth hockey programs in New York and Connecticut has made him a recognizable face even before cracking the NHL roster. Social media has been flooded with well-wishes from fans, teammates, and former coaches, all encouraging the young winger to stay strong during his recovery.
While the situation is disheartening, the organization is not closing the book on Gilmartin’s 2025-26 campaign. The Rangers have not ruled out the possibility of him joining the team post-All-Star break if his recovery goes smoothly. This timeline would allow him to still contribute meaningfully in the final months of the season and potentially into a playoff run. However, any reintegration into the lineup will depend on a range of factors, including the team’s needs at that time, his conditioning, and his ability to perform in a professional environment after an extended layoff.
This moment also underscores the inherent volatility in relying heavily on prospect development as part of a team’s competitive strategy. As much promise as young players may bring, their bodies are still maturing, and the line between progress and setback is often razor-thin. It’s a lesson not lost on Rangers management, who must now re-evaluate their strategic depth chart heading into a pivotal season.
For Gilmartin, the road ahead will be challenging but not insurmountable. He has faced adversity before—overlooked in the early stages of his draft year, cut from Team USA’s junior camp in 2022, and questioned for his consistency during his freshman year at Providence College. Each time, he responded with resolve and growth. Whether this latest trial derails his career trajectory or becomes another story of perseverance remains to be seen. But if his past is any indication, the Rangers may yet see Gilmartin fulfill his promise in their jersey.
