WINNIPEG, Manitoba — When the Rangers started the 2025-26 season, Noah Laba and Matthew Robertson were the only first-year players on the Opening Night roster.
Fast forward to Game No. 65 of 82, this one against the Jets, they are now just two of six rookies who have come through the Blueshirts locker room at one point or another this season — four of whom were in the lineup Thursday night at Canada Life Centre.
Times have certainly changed since the first month of the season, but the brigade of youngsters has seemingly leaned on one another while navigating both the organization’s transition period and their own individual acclimation to NHL life.
“It definitely helps,” Jaroslav Chmelar told The Post before competing in the 11th NHL game of his career Thursday. “I played the last couple of games and it’s just like, you’re not going into the unknown. It’s like they help you get into it. And then when you get to know all the guys, it’s just easier. Especially, I’m not the kind of guy to just jump out of a box. I’m a little more quiet and stuff. It definitely helps to open up.”
