What the Rangers should target before trade deadline, and no, it’s not a playoff run

As the NHL season progresses and the trade deadline approaches, the New York Rangers find themselves at a crossroads. Despite being one of the more storied franchises in the NHL with a talented roster and a passionate fanbase, the 2024-2025 Rangers have fallen short of the expectations placed on them heading into the season. While they have a roster with some star power, the team has not performed to the level necessary for a true playoff push. For a team with the pedigree of the Rangers, a postseason run might seem like the most immediate objective, but the truth is, that goal is slipping further out of reach.

Instead of fixating on a playoff berth, the Rangers’ front office and management should focus on setting the team up for sustained success in the future. This means making smart, long-term decisions that address weaknesses in the roster, bolster their core for the years ahead, and improve their position in the draft. A deep postseason run should no longer be the primary objective, as the team’s current situation suggests that they are better off positioning themselves for future success rather than going all-in for an unlikely playoff push.

1. Evaluate and Move Pending Free Agents

One of the first areas of focus for the Rangers as the trade deadline nears is evaluating their pending free agents and determining whether they can maximize value through trades. Several players on the Rangers’ roster are on expiring contracts, and with the team’s performance not living up to expectations, it could be a smart move to trade these players rather than risk losing them for nothing.

Key Players to Consider Moving

• Chris Kreider – Kreider has been a fixture in the Rangers’ top six for years, providing consistent offense and leadership. However, his age (he’ll be 33 by the trade deadline) and the Rangers’ need for a long-term rebuild make him a potential candidate to move. While Kreider can still contribute offensively, moving him for younger players or draft picks could be a smart play, especially considering his contract status.
• Mika Zibanejad – Zibanejad is undoubtedly one of the Rangers’ best players, but at 30 years old, he is approaching the back half of his prime. His contract is substantial, and while he still has plenty of value, moving him could bring back assets that could help the Rangers build for the future.
• Patrick Nemeth – Nemeth’s play has been inconsistent this season, and given the Rangers’ defensive depth, he could be a candidate for a trade to a team in need of defensive help.

Moving these players would not be an easy decision, but it would allow the Rangers to get ahead of their rebuild and acquire valuable assets, whether in the form of draft picks, prospects, or young players with upside.

2. Focus on Building Through the Draft

One of the most important things the Rangers should focus on before the trade deadline is improving their draft position. With their current roster struggles and limited postseason prospects, the team should be looking to accumulate as many draft picks as possible, especially in the first and second rounds.

The NHL Draft is a critical tool for rebuilding teams, and the Rangers are no exception. While the Rangers have some promising young talent already on their roster, such as Kaapo Kakko, Alexis Lafrenière, and Filip Chytil, building depth through the draft will be crucial to the team’s future success. The Rangers have not been in the position to select at the top of the draft in recent years, but with a potential trade deadline fire sale, they could find themselves with a chance to add more young talent.

While the Rangers do have a solid prospect pool, they could benefit from more high-end draft picks. The team’s leadership should be targeting deals that allow them to stockpile assets and use the 2025 NHL Draft to their advantage. The Rangers should be in “acquire assets” mode, focusing on trades that bring back younger players or more draft picks rather than trying to bring in win-now pieces.

3. Target Players to Help Build the Core

While the Rangers should be focused on building for the future, that does not mean they should entirely ignore their current core. Players like Artemi Panarin, Adam Fox, and Igor Shesterkin are cornerstones for the franchise and will be key to the Rangers’ long-term success. However, the Rangers need to surround these players with the right complementary pieces. They should focus on finding players who can help round out the lineup and provide depth in key areas.

Areas of Focus for Acquisitions

• Secondary Scoring – One of the Rangers’ biggest weaknesses this season has been a lack of secondary scoring. While Panarin and Zibanejad can be counted on for offense, the team has struggled to get consistent production from the rest of the lineup. The team should target acquisitions that provide scoring depth, particularly in the bottom six and on the power play.
• A Right-Handed Defenseman – While Adam Fox is one of the best defensemen in the league, the Rangers could use a right-handed partner who can help balance out the defensive corps. A top-four defenseman would make a significant difference in the Rangers’ ability to contend in the future, especially if they can pair him with Fox on the top pairing.
• Bottom-Six Forwards – The Rangers’ bottom six has been inconsistent, and they need players who can provide energy and contribute defensively, as well as chip in offensively. Players like this would solidify the Rangers’ depth and provide balance to the lineup.

Although the Rangers should prioritize the future, acquiring players that can help strengthen their roster without sacrificing long-term viability would be a smart move. It’s important that the front office does not overpay for short-term fixes but targets players who can fit into the team’s long-term vision.

4. Manage Cap Space and Avoid Short-Term Moves

One of the biggest challenges for the Rangers at the trade deadline will be managing their salary cap situation. The team already has a significant amount of cap space tied up in long-term contracts for key players, and they cannot afford to make moves that commit future cap space to players who are not essential to the team’s future.

The Rangers have a number of players with big contracts, including Panarin, Zibanejad, Trouba, and Kreider, and they cannot afford to take on more salary unless it’s for players that fit into the team’s long-term plans. The focus should be on avoiding short-term moves that provide little future benefit. For example, acquiring players who are about to hit free agency or taking on long-term contracts that don’t fit with the team’s rebuild would be detrimental to the franchise.

The Rangers should also be mindful of their cap situation when considering trades. While some moves might involve taking on salary, it is important that they avoid locking themselves into contracts that could hinder future flexibility, especially as they look to build a contender in the coming years.

5. Embrace the Role of a Seller at the Trade Deadline

For a team like the Rangers, who have underperformed this season, the front office should embrace their role as sellers at the trade deadline. While it’s never easy for a team with a storied history to admit that they are not in a position to compete for a playoff spot, doing so can provide long-term benefits.

By selling off assets that are not part of the team’s future, the Rangers can accelerate their rebuilding process. As mentioned, players like Kreider, Zibanejad, and Nemeth could all be valuable trade chips for the Rangers. By trading these players to teams that are closer to Stanley Cup contention, the Rangers can acquire draft picks and prospects that will help lay the foundation for the team’s next championship window.

The Rangers’ management must accept that the 2024-2025 season is likely not going to end in a postseason berth, and as a result, they should focus on making the most out of the remaining months by setting themselves up for future success.