Adam Fox and the New York Rangers are heading into an all-important 2025-26 season. The team is in a window with expectations to compete for a Stanley Cup, so last year’s debacle, which ended in the Rangers missing the playoffs, was not acceptable.
General manager Chris Drury made that clear, shaking up the core of the roster and coaching staff in the aftermath. Peter Laviolette was fired at season’s end and soon replaced by two-time Stanley Cup champion Mike Sullivan.
The longtime Penguins head coach is viewed as one of the best leaders in hockey with the resume to back it up. Drury and the Rangers hired him for those very reasons, and a big part of it will be to get the best out of their star players like Fox.
New York’s number one defenseman was among the many who had a difficult 2024-25, but Sullivan knows he’s capable of bouncing back. Michael Russo of The Athletic shared an article with what Sullivan had to say about Fox ahead of a pivotal year that includes a potential Olympic appearance.
“I’m probably stating the obvious when I say this, but performance matters. I think Foxy knows he’s capable of a better game. And him and I have had discussions about it, and I think he’s inspired with the opportunity to bring a better version of himself. And I told him when I became his coach that I was going to do everything in my power to help him become the best version of himself,” Sullivan said.
“And not only is that good for the New York Rangers, it’s also good for the U.S. team. He’s a Norris Trophy winner, and he’s a young guy. He’s not aging out. He’s capable of an elite game. And it’s our job as coaching staff to help him get there. And we’re certainly going to do everything we can to do that; we believe that Foxy’s capable of a next-level game. A Norris Trophy-caliber game. You don’t win the Norris Trophy if you’re not capable of that, and we believe he still is,” Sullivan added.
In this story also, Mike Sullivan on his conversation with former Norris Trophy winner and #nyr defenseman Adam Fox on his Olympic status>>> https://t.co/RYtyUmb8Ej
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) September 7, 2025
Even in a down year, the 27-year-old produced 61 points (10 goals, 51 assists) in 74 games, demonstrating his high-end abilities despite not being at his best.
Adam Fox is set up to rebound
All of the people who have disrespected Adam Fox over the last year may be forced to eat their words in a few months.
With Mike Sullivan behind the bench and Vladislav Gavrikov as his new defense partner, the best he’ll have had in New York, Fox is primed for a big bounce-back season. Moreover, being at full health after playing banged up throughout parts of 2024-25.
It sets up perfectly for Fox, and it shouldn’t come as a surprise to see him back in Norris Trophy conversations, where he’s been for most of his career.
