Rangers' Noah Laba shines against childhood hero Glendening

Rookie center Laba scores, assists in win over Flyers as he faces off against veteran Glendening for the first time

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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In the New York Rangers' 6-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers, rookie center Noah Laba had a strong game, scoring a goal and adding an assist. Laba, who grew up in the Detroit area, had to catch himself from saying something to veteran Flyers forward Luke Glendening, whom Laba met as a kid at a prospect tournament in Traverse City, Michigan. Both Michigan-born forwards had points in the game, with Glendening recording an assist for the Flyers.

Why it matters

Laba's development is crucial for the Rangers, who don't have many center prospects, let alone ones with Laba's skating ability. His strong rookie season has made him a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing year for the Rangers, and he could be the team's third-line center for years to come. The game also featured an interesting matchup between Laba and Glendening, who Laba looked up to as a kid.

The details

Laba, a 2022 fourth-round pick, scored 1:04 into the game and added an assist on linemate Tye Kartye's goal in the second period. Glendening, whom the Flyers claimed off waivers from New Jersey last week, recorded his first point with Philadelphia by assisting on Sean Couturier's late third-period goal. Rangers coach Mike Sullivan has been trusting Laba with increased short-handed ice time, and the third line of Laba, Kartye, and Conor Sheary had strong possession numbers at five-on-five.

  • On March 9, 2026, the Rangers defeated the Flyers 6-2.
  • In the early 2010s, Laba met Glendening at a prospect tournament in Traverse City, Michigan.

The players

Noah Laba

A 22-year-old rookie center for the New York Rangers who grew up in the Detroit area and met Flyers forward Luke Glendening as a kid.

Luke Glendening

A 36-year-old veteran forward for the Philadelphia Flyers who spent the first eight seasons of his NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings.

Tye Kartye

A recent waiver claim who plays on the Rangers' third line with Laba and Conor Sheary.

Mike Sullivan

The head coach of the New York Rangers who has been trusting Laba with increased short-handed ice time.

Mika Zibanejad

The Rangers' star center who had two goals and an assist in the win over the Flyers.

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What they’re saying

“We're trying to give him a more prominent role here, in the penalty kill in particular.”

— Mike Sullivan, Head Coach, New York Rangers

“He just does the little things right. Lot to learn there (from) the consistency he brings every day.”

— Noah Laba

“He's skating, he's moving, I feel like he's active. I feel like he takes charge, too, with the way he plays. With guys like that — the highly-skilled, highly-talented — with their skill set, they work hard enough and they put themselves in good spots and their skill takes over.”

— Mika Zibanejad

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This game highlights the promising development of Rangers rookie Noah Laba, who is emerging as a key part of the team's future at center. Laba's strong performance against his childhood hero Glendening shows his growth, and the Rangers will be counting on him to continue his progression as they look to rebound from a disappointing season.