The New York Rangers are set to enter a crucial offseason as they look to reshape their roster following a Presidents’ Trophy-winning campaign. With the free agency period opening soon, the team has several areas they aim to address, including adding a scoring right winger, center depth, and bolstering their defense. However, with just $12.8 million in available cap space, General Manager Chris Drury faces the challenge of making impactful moves while also managing the contracts of restricted free agents like Ryan Lindgren and Braden Schneider.
One key situation to watch is the potential trade involving captain Jacob Trouba. While trading Trouba could free up significant cap space, the defenseman reportedly wants to remain in New York, complicating any possible deal. Additionally, the Rangers have shown interest in trading Kaapo Kakko if they can find the right return value.
In terms of free-agent targets, the Rangers have been linked to several notable names. However, some of their preferred options, like Jake Guentzel, Patrick Kane, and Tyler Bertuzzi, are already close to deals with other teams or have re-signed with their current clubs. This leaves the Rangers possibly looking at alternatives like Jonathan Marchessault, Steven Stamkos, or Tyler Toffoli.
The Rangers will need to act quickly to secure the players they need, especially as other teams are also in the market for top talent. As the situation evolves, the team’s decisions in the coming days will be critical in shaping their chances for the upcoming season.
The New York Rangers are actively involved in trade discussions as they look to reshape their roster ahead of the 2024-25 season. Jacob Trouba and Kaapo Kakko are two players frequently mentioned in trade rumors.
Jacob Trouba, the Rangers’ captain, is at the center of trade speculation due to his $8 million salary cap hit. Although he has a modified no-trade clause that limits the teams he can be traded to, the Rangers might be exploring deals that could offload his salary to create more cap space for other roster moves. However, there is some resistance from Trouba, who reportedly prefers to remain in New York【71†source】【72†source】.
Kaapo Kakko, on the other hand, is a younger player who had a disappointing season, leading to speculation that the Rangers might consider trading him if the right offer comes along. His inconsistency has raised questions about his future with the team, and a change of scenery could be a possibility【72†source】.
Overall, the Rangers are looking to make significant changes, but it remains to be seen how these trade discussions will unfold as they approach the new season.