Record<\/p>\n
22-28-6, 8th in the Metropolitan (0% playoff probability<\/a>)<\/p>\n Deadline Status<\/p>\n Seller<\/p>\n Deadline Cap Space<\/p>\n $4.77MM on deadline day, 0\/3 retention slots used, 47\/50 contracts used, per PuckPedia<\/a>.<\/p>\n Upcoming Draft Picks<\/p>\n 2026: NYR 1st, CAR 1st, CAR 2nd, NYR 3rd, NYI 3rd, NYR 5th, NYR 6th, VAN 7th Trade Chips<\/p>\n It\u2019s far from a secret who Drury has set in his first order of business. 12 days after waiving a white flag on 2025-26, the major headline dropped that<\/a> Panarin would be sat for roster-related reasons. Since then, a third of the league has been reported as having interest, most notably the Panthers, Hurricanes, Kings, Sharks, and Capitals. Wednesday\u2019s 3 PM EST Olympic roster freeze stands as a roadblock, but the superstar has unfavorably had to sit for the last three games, and a deal seems imminent, even if shortly after the Olympics.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Suitors are working through the need to extend Panarin, but New York holds all three retention spaces. They would be wise to send their star with retained salary, and an extension set up, to maximize a return with their biggest chip.<\/p>\n Already aggressive enough to add Kiefer Sherwood<\/a>, San Jose would be a fascinating fit, showcasing their intent on serious contention sooner rather than later. Panarin\u2019s interest in Florida is well known, as he could reunite with Sergei Bobrovsky<\/a>, but it would require unfathomable gymnastics to work out a deal. Finally, Panarin could be the star Carolina has been patiently waiting to add after Mikko Rantanen<\/a> didn\u2019t work out.<\/p>\n Besides the Blueshirts\u2019 leading scorer and his expiring $11.6MM contract, it\u2019s not as immediately clear who could be next. In the interest of their retool, it would be ideal to move on from at least one of their three 32-year-old centers; Mika Zibanejad<\/a>, J.T. Miller<\/a>, and Vincent Trocheck<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Out of the bunch, Trocheck stands as the only real candidate, given his manageable $5.63MM cap hit. The contract runs through his age 35 season, not necessarily ideal, but given the majorly thin center market, Trocheck could bring a haul for the Rangers. The Pittsburgh native has 36 points in 42 games, enough that center-hungry teams such as the Hurricanes, Avalanche, and Red Wings could make a push. Minnesota is also in the market, however they would have to get creative given limited cap space and trade assets.\u00a0<\/p>\n New York faces the challenge of having immovable contracts as they navigate a retool. Zibanejad, Miller, and the polarizing Alexis Lafreni\u00e8re<\/a>, aside, the issue extends on both ends of the lineup. Last summer\u2019s big ticket, $7MM deal given to 30-year-old Vladislav Gavrikov <\/a>doesn\u2019t align with their latest plans, neither does 29-year-old Will Borgen<\/a>\u2019s $4.1MM, both defenders inked through 2029-30.\u00a0<\/p>\n Jonathan Quick<\/a>, 40, has an expiring deal worth $1.55MM, but the Stanley Cup winning Connecticut native may not have interest in moving on to a backup role on a contender. As Igor Shesterkin<\/a> remains out with a lower body injury, Quick is in a favorable situation, able to play regularly as he closes the book on a tremendous career.\u00a0<\/p>\n Brennan Othmann<\/a> has been shopped throughout the season, as early as mid-October<\/a>. The 23-year-old former first round pick is clearly not a traditional deadline piece, but no longer in the plans, he figures to be a \u201cchange of scenery\u201d trade candidate, for a similar younger player in need of a new role.\u00a0<\/p>\n Veterans Sam Carrick<\/a> and Jonny Brodzinski<\/a> could fetch middle round draft capital, both bringing strong results at the faceoff dot. Carrick is signed through next year at $1MM, while Brodzinski is a pure rental option, versatile enough to play center or wing.\u00a0<\/p>\n Conor Sheary<\/a> makes just $775k, but the 33-year-old has hardly been effective this year, with just one tally in 37 games, not to mention he is currently on LTIR with an upper body injury. When healthy, Sheary has respectable metrics and playoff experience, but he would not bring anything notable in return.<\/p>\n On the back end, Urho Vaakanainen<\/a>, 27, could bring a bit of intrigue as a 6\u20192\u2033 lefty penalty killing specialist, as he\u2019s inked through next year at $1.55MM.<\/p>\n Team Needs<\/p>\n NHL-Ready Youth: Given Drury\u2019s phrasing of \u201cThis will not be a rebuild. This will be a retool built around our core players and prospects\u201d \u00a0naturally, for better or worse, New York will seek young players capable of contributing as soon as next season, in all likelihood alongside veterans such as Miller and Zibanejad. Thankfully, as a result of the K\u2019Andre Miller<\/a> trade, they have an extra first round pick for the upcoming draft already, an asset always needed regardless of \u201crebuild\u201d or \u201cretool\u201d. However, such a deal is indicative of Drury\u2019s struggles as a whole, as it is players such as Miller who the Rangers are lacking if they can turn it around without entirely bottoming out. The club has a top heavy prospect pool, and a replenishment, especially on the blue line, would be beneficial.\u00a0<\/p>\n
2027: NYR 1st, NYR 3rd, NYR 5th, NYR 6th, NYR 7th<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/USATSI_28131047-243x300.jpg\")
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