The New York Rangers have officially moved into selling mode. After returning from the 4 Nations Face-Off break, the team’s performance made the decision clear. First, they were embarrassed by the Buffalo Sabres in an 8-2 loss. Buffalo is the last-place team in the Eastern Conference. Then, the Rangers followed up with a sloppy game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Although they won 5-3, it was only because of goaltender Igor Shesterkin’s strong effort.
These two games showed that the Rangers are still struggling with the same problems they had in December. Even though they had a better stretch in January, their recent games proved that the improvement didn’t last.
With the NHL trade deadline less than two weeks away, General Manager Chris Drury had no choice. The team hasn’t shown it’s capable of a deep playoff run. Even though the Rangers are just two points out of a wild-card spot, they don’t look like a team that can compete for the Stanley Cup.
- The Rangers traded Trouba, Kakko, Chytil, Lindgren, and Vesey, gaining five draft picks, Juuso Pärssinen, and Urho Vaakanainen while clearing $4.5M in cap space.
- After an 8-2 loss to Buffalo and a sloppy win over Pittsburgh, GM Chris Drury decided the team wasn’t playoff-ready and began a full-scale roster reset.
- Chris Kreider is on injured reserve and remains a trade candidate; Reilly Smith is expected to be moved before the deadline as Drury continues to sell.
Major Trades Show the Rangers Are All-In on Change
The first big deal came on December 6, when the Rangers sent Trouba to Anaheim. The move was a win simply because Drury didn’t have to keep any of Trouba’s $8 million salary. In return, the Rangers got Urho Vaakanainen, a bottom-pair defenseman who’s fit in well so far.
Not long after, Kaapo Kakko was traded to Seattle for defenseman Will Borgen. The Rangers now have Borgen locked into a five-year deal. But Kakko has thrived with the Kraken, scoring 19 points in 28 games. This trade may hurt in the long run, especially since the Rangers didn’t give Kakko the right development environment.
The biggest move happened on January 31. The Rangers acquired J.T. Miller and two depth defensemen from the Vancouver Canucks. In exchange, they sent Filip Chytil, defensive prospect Victor Mancini, and a top-13 protected first-round pick. Miller has been a strong addition, bringing scoring ability and physical play. Chytil’s injury history made the decision easier for Drury.
Last week, the Rangers also traded Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey. Lindgren was dealt to Colorado despite Adam Fox’s recent injury. In return, the Rangers received four pieces, including Juuso Pärssinen, a young center with multiple years of team control. Vesey, like Lindgren, was not expected to return after this season, so the timing made sense.
Altogether, the Rangers have traded five players, cleared $4.5 million in salary cap space, and gained five draft picks plus several players who could help in future seasons.
Tension Around Kreider and Inside the Locker Room
When the trades started, there was some shock inside the team. Veteran forward Chris Kreider was one of the names included in Drury’s trade memo to all 31 NHL general managers. When asked about it, Kreider said he wasn’t surprised.
“That wasn’t the first time. Won’t be the last time. That kind of stuff comes out,” he said. “That’s part of professional sports.”
He also mentioned that he doesn’t use social media, so he only found out about the rumors from people close to him.
Kreider has missed time this season with back issues and is currently on injured reserve. Although trade talks about him have quieted, two sources told lohud.com that the Rangers still want to trade him. He has two years left on his contract at a $6.5 million cap hit. A trade might happen this summer instead of this week.
Young Players Bring Energy, But Development Still Needed
While veterans are leaving, younger players are getting a chance. J.T. Miller has provided leadership and a strong work ethic, but rookies like Brennan Othmann, Matt Rempe, Brett Berard, Zac Jones, and Will Cuylle are bringing energy.
The coaching staff, led by Peter Laviolette, has shifted toward a more aggressive, fast-paced style. The younger players fit in well with this new approach.
The goal now is to use the rest of this season to evaluate the young talent. The Rangers want to know which players can help next year, and the change in direction helps the team stay competitive in the short term while planning for the long term.
Cap Space Opens Doors, But Defense Still a Problem
On defense, the team needs help on the left side. K’Andre Miller is the only proven top-four left-handed defenseman. His contract is up this summer, and he will be due a raise. Zac Jones has been shopped but hasn’t drawn enough interest. Adam Fox’s injury gave Jones an opportunity to play more, which may help his trade value.
The Rangers may look at Mario Ferraro from San Jose or Carson Soucy from Vancouver. Both are signed for next season at $3.25 million. However, neither is clearly a top-pair defenseman. Because of that, Drury might wait until the offseason. Possible free-agent targets include Jakob Chychrun, Vladislav Gavrikov, Dmitry Orlov, and Ivan Provorov.
The team is also searching for bigger, more physical forwards. One name that keeps coming up is Scott Laughton from the Philadelphia Flyers. But several teams want him, and the Rangers may not have the right trade pieces.
Another team to watch is the Nashville Predators. Their GM, Barry Trotz, and owner Bill Haslam were spotted at Madison Square Garden recently. Nashville has several players with term, like Michael McCarron, Tommy Novak, and Colton Sissons, who could be good fits for the Rangers.
Who Could Still Be Traded This Week?
The only move that seems certain before the deadline is Reilly Smith. There were early rumors about Toronto, but the Maple Leafs have shifted their focus elsewhere. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that Smith is likely headed to a U.S. team.
The Rangers paid a 2027 second-round pick and a 2025 conditional fifth-rounder to get Smith last summer. Because any new team would only get him for a few months, the expected return is a third-round pick.
After that, Drury may stop dealing and let the current group finish the season.
Eyes on Free Agency and the Bigger Picture
The Rangers are already watching the playoffs closely, even though they might not be playing in them. They are scouting potential free agents and planning their roster for next season.
They will have around $10 million in salary cap space. But with Miller and Cuylle needing new contracts, that number will shrink.
A top priority could be Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers. He plays a fast, physical game and has helped define Florida’s playoff identity. But many teams will want him, which could raise his price.
Other options include Christian Dvorak from Montreal, Trent Frederic from Edmonton, and Yanni Gourde from Tampa Bay. These players fit better with the Rangers’ needs for toughness and energy.
Some big names like Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and Jamie Benn are probably not realistic due to salary or age. Claude Giroux is 37 and may want to stay in Ottawa.
Long-Term Plan: Add a Star and Stay Competitive
The Rangers still believe in their core group. Adam Fox, Igor Shesterkin, and J.T. Miller are all leaders. And young players like Alexis Lafrenière, Braden Schneider, and Will Cuylle are part of the next wave.
But to become a true Stanley Cup contender, the Rangers know they need another top-tier player. They hoped to develop one internally, but many prospects didn’t reach expectations.
Now, they are watching the market for big names. Ottawa’s Brady Tkachuk is a dream target if he ever becomes available. In the 2026 free-agent class, stars like Jack Eichel and Connor McDavid could be available, although there’s no guarantee.
For now, Drury is targeting low-risk trades for players with potential, like Juuso Pärssinen and Urho Vaakanainen. These are smart moves for a team focused on the long game.
