At the trade deadline, how much could Rangers’ rentals bring in? The Athletic’s evaluation on pending free agents
As the NHL trade deadline approaches, the New York Rangers find themselves in a familiar position: a playoff-contending team with a potential need to make moves in order to strengthen their roster for a deep postseason run. As the team continues to navigate the demands of the competitive Eastern Conference, one important consideration for General Manager Chris Drury and his front office is the team’s pool of pending free agents. These are players who, while valuable to the Rangers in the short term, may not fit into the team’s long-term plans or cap structure.
For teams looking to bolster their rosters with rental players—those who are on expiring contracts and are unlikely to be re-signed—the Rangers’ pending free agents could be among the most sought-after assets at the 2025 NHL trade deadline. But just how much could these rental players bring in return? In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Rangers’ pending free agents, analyze their potential trade value, and evaluate what type of return the Rangers could expect based on their performance and the demands of the market.
Who Are the Rangers’ Pending Free Agents?
Before diving into the potential value of these players, it’s important to first identify the Rangers’ pending free agents. As of January 2025, the list of players heading toward unrestricted free agency (UFA) at the end of the season includes several important contributors to the team’s success. Here are some of the key pending free agents for the Rangers:
- Vladimir Tarasenko (RW – UFA)
One of the most high-profile rentals, Tarasenko has been a consistent point producer for the Rangers since joining the team. With a strong history of scoring and a proven track record in the postseason, Tarasenko is a player who could be in high demand by teams looking for scoring depth on the right wing. Despite being a bit older and dealing with some injury issues in recent years, Tarasenko’s pedigree makes him an attractive option for contenders. - Patrick Kane (RW – UFA)
Another huge name on the Rangers’ roster, Kane is one of the most iconic players in the NHL. The former Chicago Blackhawks star has enjoyed a long and illustrious career and could offer immediate impact to any playoff team that adds him. Kane is still capable of putting up impressive point totals, and his leadership and experience could be exactly what a contender needs. However, his massive contract and injury history may impact the return the Rangers could expect for him. - Tyler Motte (LW – UFA)
A bottom-six forward who brings a defensive-minded, physical style of play, Motte has carved out a niche with the Rangers. He’s not a top producer offensively, but his ability to kill penalties and provide grit in the playoffs makes him a valuable rental player for teams looking to shore up their depth. - Barclay Goodrow (C/LW – UFA)
Like Motte, Goodrow is a versatile forward who brings grit and defensive reliability to the Rangers. He can be used on both special teams and in various line combinations, making him a valuable piece for any team. While Goodrow’s offensive output isn’t necessarily high, his intangibles and role-player status make him a key candidate for a trade deadline deal, especially for a team in need of bottom-six depth. - Jonny Brodzinski (C – UFA)
As a player who spends a good portion of his time in the AHL, Brodzinski is a bit of a wildcard. He can play as a depth forward in the NHL, but he is not a prominent contributor for the Rangers. However, Brodzinski could be attractive to teams looking for depth options at the trade deadline, particularly for a team looking to bolster its roster with low-cost rental players. - Jaroslav Halák (G – UFA)
While Igor Shesterkin is clearly the Rangers’ starter, Halák provides a veteran presence and has had moments of solid play when called upon. Goalies are always a commodity at the trade deadline, especially for teams in need of a backup or someone to shoulder part of the load down the stretch. Halák’s experience and ability to step in for a game or two could make him an attractive option for teams looking to solidify their goaltending depth.
Market for Rentals at the Trade Deadline
Before evaluating what the Rangers could expect in return for these rentals, it’s important to understand the trade market dynamics that will influence their value. NHL trade deadlines are always fascinating, as teams weigh short-term improvement against long-term investment. This dynamic creates a competitive marketplace for rental players—those who are set to become unrestricted free agents at the end of the season and won’t be re-signed by their current teams. Typically, rental players are more valuable to contending teams looking to make a push for the Stanley Cup, as opposed to rebuilding teams who prefer to keep their assets or target younger, controllable players.
Some key factors to keep in mind when assessing the trade value of rentals are:
- Team Needs: Playoff-contending teams will target rentals who fill specific needs, whether it’s a top-six scorer, a depth forward, or a reliable goalie.
- Cap Space: The salary cap can play a significant role in the negotiations for rental players. If the acquiring team doesn’t have the cap space to absorb a large contract, the Rangers may have to retain some of the player’s salary in order to facilitate a trade.
- Performance and Track Record: Players like Tarasenko and Kane, with proven track records of postseason success, will be valued higher than role players. However, their performance during the regular season and any injury concerns will also impact their value.
- Team Control and Term: Rental players who have term left on their contract (even if it’s a short-term contract) are generally more valuable than those who are heading into free agency immediately.
With these factors in mind, let’s explore the potential return the Rangers could receive for each of their pending free agents.
Evaluation of the Rangers’ Pending Free Agents
Vladimir Tarasenko
Trade Value: High (Top rental forward)
Given his history and ability to contribute at a high level, Vladimir Tarasenko would likely be the most valuable rental the Rangers could move at the trade deadline. A veteran sniper with a history of postseason success, Tarasenko’s skill and ability to play in all situations make him an attractive option for teams looking for a top-six forward. His offensive upside—scoring over 30 goals in several seasons—combined with his leadership and experience, makes him a sought-after asset for playoff teams.
Potential Return: The Rangers could expect a first-round pick and potentially a prospect or mid-round pick in return. If the Rangers are willing to retain some of his salary, the return could be even greater, with a second-round pick or a quality prospect added to the deal.
Patrick Kane
Trade Value: High (But complicated by contract)
Patrick Kane’s trade value is tricky. While he is undoubtedly one of the best players in the NHL, his salary and injury history could deter some teams from making a substantial offer. Kane will likely still bring in a high price, especially given his past Stanley Cup pedigree and his ability to score at a high level when healthy. However, there is a degree of uncertainty due to his contract, which has a significant cap hit, and any potential injuries that could affect his playoff readiness.
Potential Return: The Rangers could still secure a first-round pick and prospects, but the asking price might need to be adjusted depending on the health of Kane. Teams may be more hesitant to move a top pick for a player with injury concerns. If the Rangers retain salary or a portion of Kane’s cap hit, they could recoup additional assets, but it will likely still be a high second-round pick and a top prospect.
Tyler Motte
Trade Value: Moderate
While Tyler Motte isn’t a flashy name, he brings essential attributes to a team looking for depth, penalty-killing ability, and physicality. His gritty, defensive-minded play makes him a useful asset for playoff teams that need to improve their bottom-six forward group.
Potential Return: Given his role as a bottom-six forward and his relatively low offensive output, the return for Motte would likely be a fourth-round pick or a third-round pick and a prospect. A team in need of a penalty-killer could potentially overpay slightly, but Motte’s value won’t be as high as a top-six forward.
Barclay Goodrow
Trade Value: Moderate to High
Goodrow’s value lies in his versatility. A physical player who can play on both special teams and in various line combinations, he is a reliable option for teams looking to add depth and grit. Goodrow’s size, defensive acumen, and ability to contribute in a variety of roles make him a desirable rental for a playoff team.
Potential Return: The Rangers could likely secure a third-round pick for Goodrow, or potentially a second-round pick if they retain salary. The exact return will depend on the market for depth players at the deadline.
Jaroslav Halák
Trade Value: Low to Moderate
As a backup goalie, Halák provides valuable experience, but he isn’t an elite option. Teams looking for a veteran backup or splitting duties with an established starter may be interested in his services. However, given that he’s primarily a backup and likely won’t play much in the postseason unless needed, his trade value is limited.
Potential Return: A fourth-round pick or fifth-round pick would be a reasonable return for Halák, with the potential for a lower-end prospect thrown in. His salary might also need to be retained to make the deal palatable for a cap-strapped team.
