Rangers' Jaroslav Chmelar Impresses Sullivan With NHL Adjustment

The 2021 fifth-round pick is making the most of his latest NHL call-up, earning praise from head coach Mike Sullivan.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 12:29am

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Jaroslav Chmelar, the Rangers' 2021 fifth-round draft pick, has been making an impression during his latest stint with the NHL club. After being sent back to the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack earlier in the season, Chmelar used the frustration as motivation, and when he was recalled two weeks before the trade deadline, he became a fixture in the Rangers' lineup. The 6-foot-4, 226-pound winger has carved out a physical role on the fourth line while also flashing scoring ability, tallying two goals. Head coach Mike Sullivan has praised Chmelar's adjustment to the NHL game, noting his improved anticipation and physical play that can "unnerve the opponent." Chmelar acknowledges there are still areas for growth, but he's laying the foundation for a larger role next season on a retooling Rangers team.

Why it matters

Chmelar's development is an important storyline for the Rangers, who are looking to build a competitive roster for the future. As a 2021 draft pick, his ability to earn a regular role in the NHL this season shows the team's scouting and player development efforts are paying off. Chmelar's physical style and scoring touch could make him a valuable bottom-six forward for the Rangers going forward.

The details

After being sent back to the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack earlier in the season, Jaroslav Chmelar used the frustration as motivation. When he was recalled two weeks before the trade deadline, he became a fixture in the Rangers' lineup, carving out a physical role on the fourth line while also flashing scoring ability. Chmelar tallied his first NHL goal on March 5 and added another on March 17, nearly scoring a third on March 20 as well. Head coach Mike Sullivan has praised Chmelar's adjustment to the NHL game, noting his improved anticipation and physical play that can "unnerve the opponent." Chmelar acknowledges there are still areas for growth, such as not rushing his offensive chances, but he's laying the foundation for a larger role next season on a retooling Rangers team.

  • Chmelar was first called up to the Rangers in December, appearing in four games.
  • Chmelar was recalled again two weeks before the 2026 NHL trade deadline.
  • Chmelar scored his first NHL goal on March 5, 2026.
  • Chmelar scored his second NHL goal on March 17, 2026.
  • Chmelar nearly scored a third goal on March 20, 2026.

The players

Jaroslav Chmelar

A 6-foot-4, 226-pound winger who was the Rangers' fifth-round draft pick in 2021. He has carved out a physical role on the Rangers' fourth line while also flashing scoring ability, tallying two goals in his latest NHL stint.

Mike Sullivan

The head coach of the New York Rangers, who has praised Chmelar's adjustment to the NHL game and his physical, unnerving style of play.

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What they’re saying

“When he finishes checks, he can create anxiety. He can unnerve the opponent.”

— Mike Sullivan, Head Coach, New York Rangers

“When I got this [call-up], I was like, I gotta put more on the line. Be everywhere. The one step ahead. Give a little more effort to be happy with my game, and I'm glad it's showing.”

— Jaroslav Chmelar

What’s next

Chmelar plans to dive into plenty of video this offseason, seeking advice from NHL players and working to maximize his size and physical play to make it even more difficult for opposing defensemen.

The takeaway

Jaroslav Chmelar's development is an encouraging sign for the Rangers, who are looking to build a competitive roster for the future. His physical style and scoring touch could make him a valuable bottom-six forward for the team going forward, and his ability to earn a regular role this season shows the organization's scouting and player development efforts are paying off.