Where the Rangers could start their retool before NHL trade deadline
With team president and general manager Chris Drury waving the white flag on the Rangers season with a letter talking of a retooling of the roster, here’s a look at who could be on the move before the Olympic break and March 6 trade deadline: Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mollie Walker about the inside buzz on the Rangers.In a meeting with Drury on Friday, Panarin was informed that the Rangers would not be extending him.
As one of the last remaining big names on the impending free agent board, Panarin naturally has been in the middle of trade chatter all season.He is also one of the highest-valued assets the Rangers have in their lineup and should be able to fetch a mini haul.
His full no-move clause, however, puts Panarin in the driver’s seat.Drury will have to work closely with Panarin and his camp to arrange a deal that the star Russian wing is on board with.Another player who has been in the rumor mill nearly all season, Othmann has been tabbed as needing a fresh start.
The No.16 overall pick in 2021 has struggled to translate his game to the NHL level over 33 career games.
It simply has not been a fit in New York.In the final year of his deal, Soucy, and his $3.25 million cap, hit is easily moveable.There are plenty of teams that could use a stay-at-home defenseman who can play on either side.Compared to last season, Soucy has been much more effective in his role for the Rangers through his 41 games.
The Rangers, who gave up the 2025 third-round pick they received from the Golden Knights for Reilly Smith to acquire Soucy, should be able to find a team in need of defensive depth for the playoffs.If the Rangers wanted to make a splash and partially change up the team’s DNA, dealing Lafrenière before his modified no-trade clause — with an eight-team no-trade list — kicks in for the 2027-28 season would be a way.Nights like his three-assist effort in the Winter Classic are too few a...