The New York Rangers are preparing for their first game back after the Olympic break with the return of several important players, including goaltender Igor Shesterkin and defenseman Adam Fox. These comebacks come ahead of Thursday’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers, as the team strives to improve its performance this season. At the same time, highly anticipated rookie Brendan Brisson is expected to make his New York Rangers debut, drawing attention from fans eager to see fresh talent on the ice.
Roster Adjustments Accompany Player Returns
To accommodate the returning veterans, the Rangers have reassigned some players within their system. Forward Brett Berard has been sent to the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL, and goaltender Hugo Ollas has been assigned to the Bloomington Bison of the ECHL. Currently, the Rangers are carrying 13 forwards, eight defensemen, and two goaltenders on their active roster as they seek stability going forward in the season.
Rangers’ Lineup Features Exciting Debut and Veteran Returnees
This lineup sees key players like Mika Zibanejad back on the ice, contributing to a revitalized roster. An official lineup shared by reporter Vince Z. Mercogliano includes Brendan Brisson positioned alongside Conor Sheary and Sammy Laba, indicating the coaching staff’s confidence in Brisson’s ability to contribute offensively.
“Mika Zibanejad is back on the ice for the #NYR this morning, with the lineup looking like this:Miller – Zibanejad – Perreault Cuylle – Trocheck – Lafrenière Sheary – Laba – Brisson Othmann – Carrick – Raddysh Gavrikov – Fox Schneider – Borgen Robertson – Iorio” — Vince Z. Mercogliano
Coaching Staff Explains Brisson’s Promotion
Head coach Peter Sullivan highlighted the rationale behind giving Brendan Brisson an opportunity with the Rangers. The decision involved close discussions with general manager Chris Drury and Hartford Wolf Pack’s coach Grant Potulny, focusing on Brisson’s offensive instincts and potential to help the team during a difficult stretch.
“Based on my understanding in conversations with (Chris Drury) and staff and Grant Potulny in Hartford, Bris has some offensive instincts and potentially could be a guy that could help us in that area. We’re going to try…” — Vince Z. Mercogliano
Brisson’s Path to the NHL and Current Performance
Brendan Brisson, son of NHL super-agent Pat Brisson, was selected 29th overall in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft by the Vegas Golden Knights. Following a trade deadline deal last year that sent him along with a third-round pick to the Rangers in exchange for Reilly Smith, Brisson has made a strong impression in the American Hockey League. He has recorded 23 points (10 goals) in 46 games for the Hartford Wolf Pack and earned recognition as an AHL All-Star, showing promising development in his professional career.
Team Struggles and the Impact of Returning Players
The Rangers have struggled throughout the season, particularly during the absence of Shesterkin, Fox, and Sheary, with the team’s performance deteriorating visibly. Although the return of these players is unlikely to drastically alter the overall outlook of the season, it is expected to improve the quality and competitiveness on the ice, offering fans a more engaging experience during games.
Brisson’s Opportunity Amid a Challenging Season
In a season that has proven frustrating for both players and supporters, Brisson’s promotion represents a chance for fresh energy and potential offensive spark. The Rangers organization, often criticized for its limited chances for younger players, is demonstrating faith in Brisson’s ability to contribute. While it remains uncertain how much he will directly influence the team’s fortunes, his debut is a noteworthy development and a possible positive sign looking ahead.
#NYR will have 3 players returning from injury on Thursday vs. PHI:
☑️ Adam Fox (undisclosed) – out since Jan 5th.
☑️ Igor Shesterkin (lower-body) – out since Jan 5th.
☑️ Conor Sheary (lower-body) – out since Dec 31st. https://t.co/ugf5lEdXvZ— Daily Faceoff – Fantasy (@DFOFantasy) February 26, 2026
Mika Zibanejad is back on the ice for the #NYR this morning, with the lineup looking like this:
Miller – Zibanejad – Perreault
Cuylle – Trocheck – Lafrenière
Sheary – Laba – Brisson
Othmann – Carrick – RaddyshGavrikov – Fox
Schneider – Borgen
Robertson – Iorio— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) February 26, 2026
Sullivan on the decision to give Brendan Brisson a look:
"Based on my understanding in conversations with (Chris Drury) and staff and Grant Potulny in Hartford, Bris has some offensive instincts and potentially could be a guy that could help us in that area. We're going to try…
— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) February 26, 2026
