Rangers Move Dorofeyev to Second Power Play Unit Amidst Early Season Struggles

The New York Rangers have made their first significant adjustment to their power-play unit this season, moving forward Pavel Dorofeyev to the second unit during Sunday's 6-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. The change occurred in the third period, following an earlier move to place Dorofeyev on the top six line at 5-on-5.

Dorofeyev, who was acquired from the Golden Knights in the offseason and signed to a substantial contract, has recorded just three points (one goal, two assists) in the first seven games of the season. This production falls short of expectations, particularly given his two previous seasons where he scored 72 goals combined.

Gabe Perreault was elevated to the top power-play unit, taking Dorofeyev's place, and contributed an assist on Alexis Lafrenière's goal, which was the team's only man-advantage score of the final period. Coach Mike Sullivan acknowledged Dorofeyev's struggles, stating, "I thought Pav was fighting it a little, and sometimes, players have those nights. We thought we’d make a little tweak and see if we could get it going a little bit."

The initial power-play configuration established during training camp featured Dorofeyev alongside Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox, J.T. Miller, and Lafrenière. Perreault, who had previous experience on the top unit and recorded six power-play points in the 2025-26 season, had started the current season on the second unit.

Sullivan had previously expressed patience with the top unit, which had managed only one goal through the first five games, suggesting they would work through early growing pains. The team's power play, entering Monday, ranked seventh in the NHL with a 26.3 percent success rate. It remains to be seen if Dorofeyev's demotion to the second unit is a temporary measure or a more long-term change.

Dorofeyev was brought in to bolster the power play, particularly with his one-timer ability, complementing Zibanejad. However, he has registered only six shots on goal in nearly 22 minutes of power-play ice time thus far.

In contrast, Lafrenière has been a standout performer, earning NHL's third star of the week honors with five goals and two assists in the Rangers' previous three games. He leads the team in both categories and was instrumental in the Rangers' 1-0 lead early in Sunday's game with an assist. Lafrenière also became the second Rangers player to receive a weekly award this season, following goaltender Igor Shesterkin.

Despite the personnel adjustments on the power play, the Rangers have only trailed after the third period in one of their first seven games. Elsewhere in the organization, prospect Liam Greentree scored his first professional goals for AHL Hartford over the weekend.