thrilling news for hockey fans across the globe, Netflix has announced the upcoming release of The UnderDog, an inspiring and emotional documentary centered around New York Rangers legend Mike Gartner. The highly anticipated film is officially set to premiere on October 15, 2025, offering an in-depth look at the career and character of one of the NHL’s most consistently excellent — yet often underrated — superstars.
Mike Gartner, renowned for his blistering speed and uncanny scoring ability, enjoyed a phenomenal 19-season NHL career, highlighted by his impactful tenure with the New York Rangers. While Gartner made his mark with several teams, his time wearing the iconic blue sweater of the Rangers left an indelible legacy in the hearts of New York hockey fans. Despite never hoisting a Stanley Cup, Gartner’s reputation as one of the league’s true professionals is undisputed, and The UnderDog promises to capture the very essence of why he remains such a beloved figure in Rangers lore.
Netflix’s announcement described The UnderDog as “a powerful, raw, and uplifting story of perseverance, heart, and quiet greatness.” The film will feature intimate interviews with Gartner himself, former teammates, coaches, respected hockey analysts, and members of his family. The documentary is set to unveil rare archival footage, including never-before-seen clips from Gartner’s electrifying games at Madison Square Garden, private moments behind the scenes, and personal milestones that defined his remarkable journey.
Directed by acclaimed documentarian Jennifer McNaughton, known for her work on celebrated sports films such as Fire on Ice: The Miracle on Ice Story and Unbreakable: The Steve Yzerman Saga, The UnderDog promises to be a deeply personal portrait rather than a standard highlight reel. McNaughton stated in a press release,
“Mike Gartner’s story is not about fanfare or headlines. It’s about the enduring power of professionalism, humility, and doing things the right way. It’s a lesson in perseverance that today’s athletes — and fans — need to hear.”
Gartner, who scored an astonishing 708 goals during his career, is widely acknowledged for his consistency, having scored at least 30 goals in 15 consecutive seasons. While his career touched several franchises, including the Washington Capitals, Minnesota North Stars, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Phoenix Coyotes, it was his tenure with the Rangers from 1990 to 1994 that solidified his status as a hockey icon in New York. His combination of blazing speed, relentless work ethic, and quiet leadership made him a fan favorite at Madison Square Garden.
The documentary will dive deep into Gartner’s time with the Rangers, showcasing legendary moments such as his unforgettable performances during the heated rivalries with the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils, and his pivotal role in helping the Rangers build a winning culture that ultimately led to their 1994 Stanley Cup victory — although Gartner was heartbreakingly traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs just months before that historic championship.
In emotional interviews, former Rangers teammates including Mark Messier, Brian Leetch, Adam Graves, and Mike Richter reflect on Gartner’s profound influence in the locker room. Messier, in particular, credits Gartner for setting the professional tone that helped transform the Rangers into serious contenders. “Mike led by example every single day,” Messier says in the film. “He wasn’t the loudest guy, but when you saw how he prepared, how he treated teammates, and how he played with so much heart — you couldn’t help but follow.”
The UnderDog also explores Gartner’s complicated emotions regarding the 1994 Stanley Cup. In a touching segment, Gartner candidly discusses the bittersweet nature of watching his former teammates lift the Cup without him — a moment filled with pride for his friends but also personal heartbreak. His grace in handling that situation remains a testament to his character, and the documentary doesn’t shy away from portraying the real, raw feelings behind such career-defining moments.
Another fascinating aspect of the documentary focuses on Gartner’s Olympic experience representing Team Canada, particularly at the 1984 Canada Cup and the 1987 Canada Cup, where he showcased his talents on an international stage and further solidified his reputation as one of the game’s purest goal-scorers.
The Capitals, Leafs, and Coyotes are acknowledged in the documentary, but it’s New York — the city that never sleeps — that holds the emotional heart of the story. Archival footage of Gartner racing down the wing at Madison Square Garden, scoring crucial goals under the iconic blue lights, and interacting with die-hard Rangers fans paints a nostalgic and powerful picture of an era in Rangers history that Gartner helped define.
Netflix has confirmed that The UnderDog will feature a soundtrack designed to match the emotional journey, featuring artists like Bruce Springsteen, The Killers, and Mumford & Sons to complement the highs and lows of Gartner’s legendary career. The documentary’s teaser trailer, which already dropped earlier this week, showcases a montage of Gartner speeding past defenders, the roar of the MSG crowd, and Gartner’s reflective voiceover:
“You don’t always need a championship to be a champion. You just need to give everything you have, every single night.”
Critics lucky enough to have attended an early screening have been lavish in their praise. Veteran sports journalist Bob McKenzie called it, “One of the most authentic and moving hockey documentaries ever made,” while ESPN’s Linda Cohn described it as “a must-watch for anyone who loves hockey — or who simply loves a great story about perseverance and grace.”
In addition to premiering on Netflix, the film will enjoy a limited theatrical run in New York, Toronto, and Washington, D.C. The world premiere will take place at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater, with Mike Gartner himself in attendance, along with several Rangers legends and prominent figures from the hockey world.
Netflix has announced additional promotional events, including a special panel discussion hosted by NBC’s Liam McHugh, featuring Gartner, director Jennifer McNaughton, and former teammates. A behind-the-scenes companion piece, The Making of The UnderDog, is also expected to be released shortly after the film’s debut, offering a closer look at the two-year journey it took to complete this tribute to Gartner’s extraordinary life and career.
As October 15 approaches, excitement is building. In a world often obsessed with statistics, championships, and flashiness, The UnderDog reminds us that there’s something even more powerful: the quiet excellence of a man who showed up every day, gave his all, and left a legacy defined by respect,
