Noah Laba
Noah Laba is an American professional ice hockey player who is a forward for the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League. He was drafted in the fourth round, 111th overall, by the Rangers in the 2022 NHL entry draft.
Playing career
Laba spent two seasons with the Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League. During the 2020–21 season, he recorded nine goals and ten assists in 46 games. During the 2021–22 season, he recorded 15 goals and 24 assists in 50 games. He finished sixth on the team in points and tied for fifth in goals. Laba was drafted in the fourth round, 111th overall, by the New York Rangers in the 2022 NHL entry draft.Laba began his collegiate career for Colorado College during the 2022–23 season. During his freshman year he recorded 11 goals and 11 assists in 35 games. His 22 points were the most by Tigers freshman since Bryan Yoon recorded 26 points during the 2018–19 season.
During the 2023–24 season, in his sophomore year, he recorded 20 goals and 17 assists in 36 games. During conference play, he led the NCHC with 16 goals and six game-winning goals. Laba led the NCHC with seven goals and three game-winning goals, all coming in overtime, to help Colorado College to a 6–2–0 record in January. He added three assists during the month for a ten-point January, averaging 1.25 points per game, and was named the NCHC Player of the Month for the month of January 2024. Following the season he was named the NCHC Defensive Forward of the Year, a All-NCHC First Team selection, and an AHCA West Second Team All-American.
Prior to the 2024–25 season, McKeen's Hockey rated him as the Rangers 7th best prospect, calling him a "prototypical, hard working, two-way center." Scout Jesse Rubenstein called him the Rangers best NCAA prospect, even ahead of 2023 first round draft pick Gabe Perreault, praising his scoring, defense and faceoff skills.
Following completion of his junior season, Laba concluded his collegiate career with the Tigers by signing a two-year, entry-level contract with the New York Rangers on March 19, 2025. He played in 11 games for the Rangers AHL affiliate Hartford Wolfpack, and scored 3 goals and had 2 assists. He scored a goal on a breakaway on his first professional shot on goal.
Prior to the 2025-26 season, Vincent Z. Mercogliano and Peter Baugh of The Athletic rated Laba as the Rangers' 6th best prospect. Laba described himself as "a two-way center with a 200-foot game who can play well defensively and play fast through the neutral zone.". He was included in the Rangers' opening night roster after a strong training camp. At the time, Rangers' coach Mike Sullivan said:
He made his NHL debut for the Rangers on October 7, 2025 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He recorded his first NHL points with 2 assists in a game against the Penguins on October 11, 2025. He scored his first NHL goal against the Calgary Flames on October 26, 2025. 30 games into his rookie season, Rangers coach Mike Sullivan said of him "He brings a speed element with his size and his strength. When he brings some physicality to his game I think he’s a lot more effective." Sullivan also acknowledged that Laba needs to improve his puck management.