Story Summary
Pavel Dorofeyev has used Connecticut as a summer training base for four years and this off-season that familiarity helped him integrate into the New York Rangers after being acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights on June 26. The 25-year-old left-winger rented an apartment each summer to train at Prentiss Hockey in Stamford, an arrangement set up by his agent Rick Komarow. That proximity allowed Dorofeyev to work alongside several Rangers – J.T. Miller, Matt Rempe, Gabe Perreault, Adam Fox and Scott Morrow – and grow familiar with goalie Igor Shesterkin and his family, who also returned to Connecticut from Moscow for the summer. Early in camp Dorofeyev has skated on the left wing with Miller at centre and newcomer Oliver Bjorkstrand on the right. His arrival brings a significant scoring pedigree: Dorofeyev scored 72 goals over the previous two seasons with Vegas, including an NHL-high 37 last season (20 on the power play), and added 12 playoff goals with five on the power play while helping Vegas reach the Stanley Cup Final. New York expects him to be an additional shooting threat, particularly on the power play, where his left-handed shot is likely to line up on the right flank for a one-timer.
Key Facts
- Pavel Dorofeyev was acquired by the New York Rangers from the Vegas Golden Knights on June 26.
- The Rangers are paying Dorofeyev $77 million across seven seasons.
- Dorofeyev is 25 years old.
- He has rented an apartment in Connecticut each of the past four summers to train at Prentiss Hockey in Stamford; that arrangement was originally set up by his agent, Rick Komarow.
- This summer Dorofeyev trained alongside forwards J.T. Miller, Matt Rempe and Gabe Perreault, and defenceman Adam Fox; he also skated with defenceman Scott Morrow.
- Dorofeyev has gotten to know goalie Igor Shesterkin and his family, who returned to Connecticut from Moscow for the summer.
- Early in training camp Dorofeyev has been skating on the left wing with J.T. Miller at centre and Oliver Bjorkstrand on the right wing.
- Dorofeyev scored 72 goals across the past two seasons with the Golden Knights, including an NHL-high 37 last season, 20 of which were on the power play.
- Dorofeyev ranked 20th in the NHL in goals and second in power-play goals last season.
- Dorofeyev scored 12 playoff goals in the postseason that sent Vegas to the Stanley Cup Final; his five power-play goals were an NHL high in that playoff run.
- The Rangers finished fifth in the NHL on the power play last season at 24.7 percent and were 27.6 percent over the final 26 games after trading Artemi Panarin on Feb. 4.
- Dorofeyev is a left-handed shooter who is expected to set up on the right flank to use a one-timer on New York’s power play.
IHM Discussion
Dorofeyev’s decision to continue living and training in Connecticut gave him familiarity with several Rangers before training camp. By being present in the same community as teammates, he arrived as a familiar face rather than a stranger. Adam Fox said that extra ice and off-ice contact before a shortened training camp can help players understand each other’s tendencies. Dorofeyev also brings a proven scoring record: 37 goals last season, including 20 on the power play.
Dorofeyev trained with Miller and has skated on his line early in camp, suggesting the Rangers are testing whether Miller’s distribution can create the shooting opportunities Dorofeyev previously found with Tomas Hertl and Jack Eichel in Vegas. Sullivan described Miller as a playmaker who can create offence in different ways, while Dorofeyev’s task is to find shooting positions and finish. That does not guarantee immediate results, but the existing familiarity can help shorten the adjustment period.
Why It Matters
New York needs goals. The Rangers’ acquisition of Dorofeyev adds a proven scorer who can strengthen both the power play and the 5-on-5 attack. With 20 regular-season power-play goals last season and five more in the playoffs, he gives a unit that ranked among the League leaders another finishing option. Familiarity with teammates and his living surroundings may also allow him to focus on on-ice adjustments during a shortened training camp. For a club that finished last in the Metropolitan Division last season, the scoring upgrade and early chemistry are important.
Mini Q&A
Where did Dorofeyev train in the off-season?
He trained at Prentiss Hockey in Stamford, Connecticut, renting an apartment in the state each of the past four summers.
When was Dorofeyev traded to the Rangers?
He was acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights on June 26.
What is Dorofeyev’s contractual situation as reported?
The Rangers are paying him $77 million across the next seven seasons.
How did Dorofeyev perform in recent seasons?
He scored 72 goals over the previous two seasons with Vegas, including an NHL-high 37 last season and 20 power-play goals; he also added 12 playoff goals with five on the power play.
What early line combination has Dorofeyev skated in during camp?
Early in training camp he was skating on the left wing with J.T. Miller at centre and Oliver Bjorkstrand on the right wing.
What upcoming team checkpoint was noted in the report?
The Rangers open the season against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on Sept. 29.
Coach Mark Comment
Dorofeyev’s summer work with Rangers teammates should make the early camp communication easier, particularly on a new line. A left-handed shooter on the right flank presents a clear one-timer option and gives penalty killers another shooting threat to account for. The key will be building reliable timing with Miller while keeping Dorofeyev in positions where he can release the puck quickly.
What Comes Next
The Rangers have begun practices and are preparing for their Sept. 29 season opener against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden.
IHM Final View
Dorofeyev’s summer base in Connecticut helped smooth his integration into the Rangers by building familiarity with teammates and surroundings before a shortened camp. His scoring record and power-play finishing address a clear need for New York.