NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 16, 2024 — The New York Rangers are officially in “full fire-sale mode,” with General Manager Chris Drury signaling that all options are on the table for further roster changes. The Rangers are actively looking to reshape their roster after a troubling stretch that has seen the team lose 10 of their last 13 games, plunging them out of playoff contention.
The first major move of this shakeup was the trade of captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks, a move that frees up his $8 million salary cap hit. This trade, though completed over a week ago, was only the beginning of what could be a series of significant changes for the Rangers. According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, Drury is now exploring the market for virtually every player on the roster.
“We’ve let it be known that Chris Kreider is available,” Friedman reported on the “Saturday Headlines” segment on Hockey Night in Canada. “And it’s not going to be a surprise for anyone that the Rangers are open for business. They’re listening to offers and considering all options, but some players like Igor Shesterkin, who they just signed to an extension, are untouchable.”
The trade of Trouba, who was a key figure on the Rangers’ blue line, signals that Drury is serious about clearing up salary cap space and revamping the roster. With the team faltering in the standings and no sign of improvement, the focus is shifting toward rebuilding for the future.
Along with Kreider, another key player being mentioned in trade talks is Kaapo Kakko. The young forward was a healthy scratch for the Rangers’ loss to the St. Louis Blues on Sunday, and speculation is rife that he may be moved sooner rather than later. Kakko, who has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled for consistency, could be part of Drury’s plan to make room for new acquisitions.
As the Rangers head into the holiday roster freeze, Drury is expected to continue fielding offers for several of the team’s high-profile players. The team has few untouchables, with star players like Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Adam Fox all carrying full no-move clauses. However, the status of Zibanejad has raised eyebrows, with sources suggesting that the Rangers are willing to entertain trade discussions for the forward if the right offer comes along.
One other player generating buzz in trade talks is defenseman Ryan Lindgren, whose one-year extension at $4.5 million expires at the end of the season. The Rangers could opt to trade Lindgren and acquire assets if they believe they won’t make the playoffs this year.
As the trade rumors continue to swirl, the future of head coach Peter Laviolette is also in question. If the Rangers’ struggles persist, Laviolette could be the next to go, with the team in desperate need of a turnaround.
The Rangers are clearly at a crossroads, and General Manager Chris Drury appears ready to make bold moves to reshape the team’s future. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation continues to develop in New York.
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