Why Pavel Dorofeyev Chose Connecticut Over NYC for His Rangers Debut

GREENBURGH, N.Y. — When Pavel Dorofeyev joined the New York Rangers, the initial fantasy of living in Manhattan and buying real estate with his $77 million contract quickly faded. Instead, the 25-year-old forward returned to what he knows best: Connecticut.

For four consecutive summers, Dorofeyev has rented an apartment in the state to train at Prentiss Hockey in Stamford. This offseason, that routine became more than just training; it served as a crucial bridge to acclimate to his new team. By staying in the area, he avoided arriving as a stranger to the Rangers' facility, instead integrating seamlessly with teammates like J.T. Miller, Matt Rempe, Gabe Perreault, and defenseman Adam Fox.

Building Chemistry Before Camp

The shortened training camp made pre-existing familiarity vital. "Obviously, with a shortened training camp you only have so many times on the ice with someone... getting to know him a little bit being around the area has been good," said Adam Fox. The arrangement also allowed Dorofeyev to bond with goalie Igor Shesterkin and his family, who also maintain a home in Connecticut after spending the summer in Moscow.

"It felt more like home and I could get used to it," Dorofeyev noted regarding the shift from his previous years where he would leave early for Las Vegas.

A Lethal Shooting Threat

Dorofeyev is expected to slot into the top line alongside Miller and newcomer Oliver Bjorkstrand. The hope is that Miller’s elite playmaking—ranking among the NHL's best centers since 2021-22—will unlock Dorofeyev’s scoring potential. Last season, Dorofeyev scored 37 goals for the Vegas Golden Knights, including 20 power-play goals, helping them reach the Stanley Cup Final.

Rangers coach Mike Sullivan praised Miller’s undervalued vision and physicality, noting that Dorofeyev’s ability to score will complement that style perfectly. Center Mika Zibanejad echoed this sentiment, calling Dorofeyev a "lethal shooter" who is strong on the puck and puts himself in shooting positions.

Power Play Revolution?

One of the biggest upgrades for New York is the power play. After finishing fifth in the league last season, the addition of Dorofeyev adds a dynamic left-handed one-timer threat from the right flank.

"If it is him (Dorofeyev) and Mika on those flanks, obviously that's two shooting threats, kind of pick your poison there," Fox explained. With players like Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Fox already providing firepower, Dorofeyev brings a fresh dimension that defenses haven't seen from the Rangers before.

As practices begin ahead of the season opener against the Boston Bruins on Sept. 29, the consensus is clear: Dorofeyev isn't just a new face; he’s already part of the family. "He's very familiar. Doesn't feel like a stranger at all," Miller said.