The New York Rangers are set to be one of the most intriguing teams in the NHL this offseason, as they could undergo significant changes.
Currently fighting for a playoff spot, New York has several key players rumored to be potential trade candidates. Using PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, which allows fans to create their own trade scenarios, one user suggested a deal that would send top veteran to the Buffalo Sabres.
The proposed trade would be a major blockbuster, with the Rangers sending star forward (with $5 million retained), Arthur Kaliyev, and a 2025 fifth-round pick (Minnesota’s) to the Sabres in exchange for two veteran stars and a 2025 first-round pick, which could end up being a top-three selection.
Top stars both set to become restricted free agents on July 1, would need new contracts with New York. This season, he has posted 10 goals and 16 assists for 26 points in 61 games, while Peterka has tallied 22 goals and 32 assists for 54 points in 64 games.
On the other side, Panarin remains a high-impact player, recording 31 goals and 44 assists for 75 points in 69 games. While New York would retain $5 million of his salary, it would only be for one more season, as he has one year left on his seven-year, $81.5 million contract.
Buffalo would also receive a fifth-round pick and depth forward Kaliyev, who was claimed off waivers by the Rangers and has registered 3 goals and 1 assist for 4 points in 14 games.
Rangers Could Move Star Players in Offseason
New York traded captain Jacob Trouba during the season, but that may not be the only big move they make.
Rangers insider Peter Baugh of The Athletic believes New York will look to move on from either Mika Zibanejad or Panarin.
“Moving on from Mika Zibanejad ($8.5 million average annual value through 2029-30) or Artemi Panarin ($11.642 million through 2025-26) would create even more space, but both have no-movement clauses. They’re also two of the Rangers’ three points leaders this season so it would leave a hole in production,” Baugh wrote.
Along with those two, Baugh also expects Chris Kreider to be heavily involved in trade talks this offseason.
“If the Rangers are going to make substantial changes to their roster, they will need to move players out,” Baugh added. “Chris Kreider is the most obvious candidate, given that Chris Drury already showed a willingness to entertain offers in November, when he sent a message to the other 31 general managers saying he’d listen on Kreider and then-captain Jacob Trouba. Moving Kreider’s $6.5 million cap hit might not be easy given his trade protection and the disappointing season he’s had.”
Rangers Showed Trade Interest in Peterka
Before the 2025 NHL trade deadline, JJ Peterka was mentioned in trade rumors.
Despite significant interest from the Rangers, Buffalo ultimately chose to keep him, according to NHL insider Frank Seravalli.
“I know that the Rangers were one of two or three teams to put a bonafide, legitimate offer on the table (for Peterka). I think (they) offered up a roster player and a first-round pick. I don’t know who the roster player was,” Seravalli said.
Peterka is also expected to receive a significant pay increase with his next contract.