The New York Rangers are enduring a disappointing season, and one trade proposal hands them a star forward to boost their offense next season.
Using PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, where fans can create their own trades, one user proposed a blockbuster deal that would see the Rangers land Jared McCann from the Seattle Kraken in a major offseason move.
This hypothetical trade offers the Rangers a top-six forward in McCann, who is currently in the third year of a five-year, $25 million contract, giving New York two more years of control. He would bring much-needed scoring depth, having posted 18 goals and 33 assists for 51 points in 73 games this season.
In return, Seattle would gain valuable assets, including a first-round pick and two young players. Othmann, with one year remaining on his entry-level contract, projects as a middle-six forward. He has recorded 0 goals and 1 assist in 15 games this season. Meanwhile, Jones is a pending restricted free agent (RFA) defenseman who has spent his entire career with the Rangers. This season, he has 1 goal and 10 assists for 11 points in 42 games.
Trade Proposal:
- Rangers receive: Jared McCann
- Kraken receive: Brennan Othmann, Zachary Jones, 2027 first-round pick
Rangers Face Key Offseason Decisions
After finishing with the best record in the NHL last season, the Rangers now find themselves outside the playoff picture with fewer than 10 games remaining. As a result, significant roster changes could be on the horizon.
According to Peter Baugh of The Athletic, New York might consider trading star players such as Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad, or Artemi Panarin.
“If the Rangers are going to make substantial changes to their roster, they will need to move players out. Chris Kreider is the most obvious candidate, given that Chris Drury already showed a willingness to entertain offers in November,” Baugh wrote.
“Moving on from Mika Zibanejad ($8.5 million AAV 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-point leaders this season. So it would leave a hole in production.”
No matter what direction they take, the Rangers are expected to be a team to watch this offseason, especially if they miss the playoffs.
Could McCann Be on the Move?
Jared McCann is one of Seattle’s top players, but he may be available in a trade.
Before the trade deadline, NHL insider Jacob Stoller reported that the Kraken were open to dealing McCann.
“I’m hearing Jared McCann could be made available before the deadline. McCann is a versatile scoring forward that can kill penalties and play center if needed. The 28-year-old carries a $5M AAV until the end of the ’26-27 season,” Stoller wrote.
Although McCann wasn’t moved at the deadline, there’s still a chance he could be traded this summer.