The Rangers’ Current Position
The New York Rangers find themselves in a peculiar situation as they hover just outside the playoff bubble. While they don’t currently look like a team poised to compete for the Stanley Cup, the Rangers have made some strategic moves that suggest they are far from entering a full rebuild. The recent trades of pending unrestricted free agents Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey, along with the expectation that Reilly Smith will be dealt before the NHL Trade Deadline, indicate a team that is looking to shed some short-term assets while keeping an eye on the future. However, the Rangers are not simply giving up; they have the pieces to make the playoffs this season and could become a formidable contender next year with the right restructuring.
Setting Up for the Future
Despite the trades, the Rangers are not preparing for a rebuild. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman emphasizes this point, noting the significant moves the team has made, such as acquiring J.T. Miller and extending Igor Shesterkin’s contract. These actions suggest a team that is positioning itself for long-term success. "You don’t go out and get J.T. Miller if you’re thinking of rebuilding," Friedman says. The Rangers have approximately $20 million in cap space for next year, which provides them with the flexibility to make substantial moves in the offseason. Friedman predicts that the Rangers will be active, both now and in the future, and will not quietly accept a bad season. Instead, they are setting the stage for something much bigger.
Chris Drury’s Strategic Plan
Under General Manager Chris Drury, the Rangers have adopted a calculated approach to the trade deadline. They are not looking to make short-term acquisitions to boost their playoff chances. Instead, Drury has focused on bringing in players who could contribute to the team both this season and in the future. The trades for Urho Vaakanainen, Will Borgen, J.T. Miller, and Juuso Parssinen exemplify this strategy. These players were chosen not only for their immediate impact but also for their potential to be key components of the Rangers’ future roster. Drury is looking to the market for young players and established players with term left on their contracts, aligning with the team’s win-now mindset.
Targeting Key Players
According to The Athletic’s Arthur Staple, the Rangers have shown interest in several players ahead of the trade deadline. Scott Laughton, a player the Rangers nearly acquired last season, remains a popular target. Ryan McLeod of the Buffalo Sabres, a pending restricted free agent, and Tommy Novak of the Nashville Predators, who has two years left on his contract, are also on the radar. However, the availability of committed sellers is limited, which could drive up the prices of the players the Rangers are interested in. Despite this, the team is poised to make a move if the right opportunity arises.
Patience and Long-Term Vision
Drury’s approach has been marked by patience and a focus on long-term success. If he were on the hot seat, he might be more inclined to make panic moves to salvage the season. Instead, Drury has stuck with Head Coach Peter Laviolette through the team’s tough times in December and is making calculated moves that will impact the team’s long-term window. This strategy suggests that Drury’s job is secure, and he is confident in his ability to shape the team into a Stanley Cup contender. His patience and strategic thinking are crucial as the Rangers navigate this critical period.
The Future of the Rangers
The Rangers’ future is filled with promising potential. With their current roster, cap space, and the strategic moves made by Drury, the team is well-positioned to make a playoff run this season and set the stage for a strong performance in the coming years. Keep your eyes on the Blueshirts, as the activity in New York is just beginning. The Rangers are not content with their current position and are actively working to ensure a brighter future for the franchise.
