The New York Rangers are expected to be active before the trade deadline but are approaching the market strategically, prioritizing players with term rather than short-term rentals. NHL insider Vincent Z. Mercogliano of Lohud reports that the organization is focused on acquiring pieces that align with their long-term vision.
“In an ideal scenario, the Rangers want players who are under contract beyond this season,” Mercogliano wrote. “That’s easier said than done, but after relying on rentals for the past three seasons, they’ve depleted their draft assets and weakened their prospect pool in key areas.”
Despite a rough start to the season, the Rangers are just four points out of a playoff spot and have already secured one long-term addition in Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller. However, when it comes to potential trade targets, even insiders like Mercogliano admit there’s little clarity on the team’s specific plans.
“Most agree the Rangers would rather avoid rentals,” Mercogliano noted. “But when it comes to acquiring players with multiple years of control, few have insight into who the notoriously tight-lipped [Chris] Drury is pursuing.”
Mercogliano mentioned Pittsburgh’s Rickard Rakell, who is signed through 2027–28 with a $5 million cap hit, as a possible target. He also highlighted interest in Utah’s Nick Schmaltz and Philadelphia’s Scott Laughton. “Center may be the toughest position to address, as demand is high and availability is limited,” Mercogliano explained. “Philadelphia’s Scott Laughton ($3 million AAV through next season) has been on the Rangers’ radar before. Some also believe Nashville’s veteran Ryan O’Reilly could be in play.”
With over $14.3 million in cap space at the deadline, the Rangers have the flexibility to absorb salary in three-team trades to accumulate draft assets or take on high-salary players to strengthen their roster.