NHL Rumors: Four Players Who Would Benefit from a Change of Scenery and the New York Rangers

In the ever-changing world of the NHL, roster movement is constant. Trade rumors, player performances, and the general evolution of teams can lead to significant shifts in the league’s power structure. For some players, a change of scenery can be the catalyst for revitalizing a career, providing a fresh start, and unlocking new potential. The New York Rangers, a team with championship aspirations, could be one of the major players in the trade market as they look to bolster their roster and make a deep playoff run.

Here, we examine four players who could benefit from a change of scenery, with the New York Rangers being one of the most intriguing potential landing spots. With an already impressive core featuring stars like Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Adam Fox, the Rangers’ roster is already strong. However, they may still be looking for additional pieces to strengthen their chances of making a serious run at the Stanley Cup. The following four players could be the perfect candidates to fit into the Rangers’ lineup.

1. Brock Boeser (Vancouver Canucks)

Brock Boeser’s name has been mentioned in trade rumors for a while now. The Vancouver Canucks’ forward was once one of the most dynamic goal-scorers in the NHL, but recent seasons have seen his production stagnate. Boeser’s output has been inconsistent, and injuries have slowed him down in recent years. With the Canucks going through some significant organizational changes and struggling to make headway in the Western Conference, it seems likely that Vancouver will look to move on from Boeser to free up cap space and pursue other long-term goals.

The New York Rangers would be a perfect landing spot for Boeser. While the Rangers are deep offensively with star players like Panarin, Zibanejad, and Kreider, adding a proven goal-scorer like Boeser could elevate their second-line offense. His strong shot and ability to score from various areas on the ice could give the Rangers a significant offensive boost, especially in the playoffs where depth scoring often plays a crucial role.

Boeser’s style of play—emphasizing shooting, positioning, and quick release—would complement the Rangers’ offensive system. Having Boeser play on a line with either Zibanejad or Panarin could provide him with the playmaking ability he needs to regain his form. In return, the Canucks could receive a combination of prospects or draft picks, giving them the flexibility to rebuild while freeing up cap space.

2. Jakob Chychrun (Arizona Coyotes)

Jakob Chychrun has long been a player rumored to be on the trade block, and his name continues to surface in trade discussions. The defenseman, who has shown tremendous potential, has been one of the top blue-liners for the Arizona Coyotes in recent seasons. His offensive upside, combined with his solid defensive game, makes him a very intriguing trade target. However, as the Coyotes continue to rebuild, it seems inevitable that Chychrun will be moved in the near future to a team that is closer to playoff contention.

The New York Rangers, who already possess one of the top defensemen in the league in Adam Fox, would benefit immensely from adding Chychrun to their defensive core. The addition of Chychrun would give the Rangers two elite defensemen who can move the puck and contribute offensively, as well as shutdown defensemen who can play in any situation. Chychrun has the size, physicality, and two-way playstyle that would complement Fox’s puck-moving abilities, forming a dynamic duo on the back end.

Chychrun has expressed a desire to play for a contending team, and the Rangers, with their championship aspirations, fit that bill. His left-handed shot would allow for a balanced defensive pairing with Fox, while his ability to log big minutes and contribute on both the power play and penalty kill would provide the Rangers with added flexibility. Given the Rangers’ strong cap situation and available assets, a trade for Chychrun could significantly improve their defense and deepen their chances of contending for the Cup.

3. Kevin Fiala (Los Angeles Kings)

Kevin Fiala’s tenure with the Los Angeles Kings has not been without its ups and downs. Acquired from the Minnesota Wild in a trade prior to the 2022-2023 season, Fiala was expected to be a top-line winger for the Kings. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, his consistency has not always been there, and the Kings have continued to explore their options in terms of retooling their roster.

For the Rangers, Fiala would be an intriguing addition. Known for his skating, vision, and playmaking ability, Fiala is capable of contributing to both the power play and the 5-on-5 game. He’s a versatile forward who can play both center and wing, though his best work is often done as a winger. Adding him to a line with a playmaker like Artemi Panarin or a skilled center like Zibanejad could allow Fiala to thrive as part of a high-scoring line.

Fiala’s ability to create scoring opportunities on the rush and with his puck handling would make him a great fit for the Rangers’ fast-paced, offensive-oriented system. Given the right combination of linemates, he could rediscover the form that made him a top player in Minnesota. Additionally, Fiala’s contract fits into the Rangers’ cap structure, making a trade feasible for both sides. In exchange, the Kings could ask for picks or prospects to further their rebuild efforts, while the Rangers gain another skilled, offensive-minded player to push them closer to a Cup.

4. John Gibson (Anaheim Ducks)

While the New York Rangers have one of the top goaltenders in the league in Igor Shesterkin, the backup situation behind him has been a topic of concern for the team. Shesterkin is one of the best in the league, but the Rangers will need a reliable backup to ensure that their netminder doesn’t burn out during the grueling regular season. This is where John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks could be a valuable addition.

Gibson, once considered one of the premier goaltenders in the NHL, has seen his stock dip in recent seasons due to the Ducks’ struggles. However, he still has the ability to be a top-tier goaltender when given a strong team in front of him. The Rangers could offer Gibson a chance to revive his career by playing behind a top defense and contending for a Stanley Cup.

Gibson’s skill set—particularly his athleticism, quick reflexes, and ability to handle a heavy workload—would make him a solid backup option for the Rangers. With Shesterkin carrying the bulk of the workload, Gibson could play a supporting role, keeping the Rangers competitive when Shesterkin needs rest. The addition of Gibson would provide the Rangers with greater depth in net, which could prove crucial during the postseason when goaltending is often the key to success.

In terms of what the Ducks would want in return, they could likely seek draft picks or prospects to further their rebuilding efforts. For the Rangers, adding Gibson to their roster could be a low-risk, high-reward move that gives them extra stability in net.