The current version of the New York Rangers isn’t built for a deep playoff run.
Despite being just two points out of a wild card spot and boasting a roster filled with star talent, the Rangers simply aren’t good enough. Their performances over the past weekend against Buffalo and Pittsburgh made that abundantly clear. They should be sellers at the upcoming NHL trade deadline.
The back-to-back games showcased two very different versions of Igor Shesterkin. On Saturday, he had one of his worst outings, allowing five first-period goals before getting pulled. On Sunday, he bounced back with a brilliant 36-save performance, singlehandedly stealing a win in Pittsburgh.
But despite splitting the two games, the Rangers were thoroughly outplayed by the two worst teams in the Eastern Conference. Does anyone truly believe this team can win a Stanley Cup—or even a playoff series?
The Rangers need to take this opportunity to part ways with players who won’t be part of their long-term plans. Ryan Lindgren has been a dependable player, but his performance has declined significantly. However, his reputation and gritty playing style make him an attractive trade target, especially for teams looking to add toughness before the playoffs.
With his contract set to expire, the Rangers should absolutely move him for future assets. Given that they don’t have a second-round pick for the next three years, dealing Lindgren could help them recoup valuable draft capital to build for the future.
What opportunity does the trade deadline bring?
With the team not positioned to make a serious playoff push, the Rangers should shift focus to giving young players more playing time. This is the perfect opportunity to evaluate prospects like Brennan Othmann and Brett Berard, who could potentially be building blocks for the future in a less pressurized environment.
Additionally, with top Boston College prospect Gabe Perreault likely joining next season, the forward group could undergo a much-needed refresh to complement the aging stars on the roster.
The NHL is a fast-evolving league, and fortunes can change rapidly.
Take the Washington Capitals, for example. Last season, they traded key pieces like Evgeny Kuznetsov and Anthony Mantha to rebuild their draft capital. They then leveraged that stockpile of picks to acquire impactful players like Logan Thompson, Andrew Mangiapane, and Jakob Chychrun.
The result? Washington is currently at the top of the standings with 84 points. If the Rangers follow a similar path, they have the talent to position themselves for success in a year’s time. The future now depends on general manager Chris Drury’s ability to navigate these next steps wisely.
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