Before the Buzzer: The Deadline That Defines the Rangers
In less than a week, New York Rangers hockey returns. Whether fans like that or not, this next week and a half is quite big for the Blueshirts. We're just 11 days away from the trade deadline, and if New York wants to remain serious about this retool, they must make use of this time. This would mean difficult decisions all around and moving on from players that some may not expect. It's hard for fans these days to imagine a successful path forward, meaning much patience will be needed to get through these next few years. As of now, all their GM Chris Drury can do is make the most of the remaining time this season to start this retool off correctly. With 25 games remaining this season for the New York Rangers, what can fans expect the priorities to be to begin this new chapter?
Even after the season concludes, the time between now and the first game of the 2026-27 season is huge for this Rangers team. Selling big at the deadline and acquiring prospects and draft capital remains the highest priority as of now, but it doesn't end there. After the deadline hits, there's still plenty to be done; New York still needs to prioritize development. A slight portion of this has been started, having acquired Liam Greentree and two conditional picks for Artemi Panarin, due to the circumstances, that is. Let's not forget a third-round pick for Carson Soucy, but the real question is what teams are willing to give for Vincent Trocheck. This trade seems to be all New York has left to prove to fans that they can accomplish this first step in their retooling. They'll need a big haul if they're to move up from here. Move on from Trocheck, and it may get a bit tricky afterwards. Where do they go from there?
It's difficult to imagine any other moves before the deadline once Trocheck has departed. A tricky piece to figure out is Braden Schneider. Can the Rangers move him before, or is he to be dealt with in the offseason? Though it may seem more likely that they deal with Schneider similarly to how they did with K'Andre Miller last year, an offer may still present itself. Even after Schneider, there are still small pieces left to deal with. Players like Sam Carrick and Jonny Brodzinski will no doubt be traded for whatever prospect New York can acquire. With the roster the way it is now, fans will need to suck it up and tough these games out. As for development, all New York fans can do is hope things turn out a bit differently this time. With 25 games remaining in the season, can the Rangers begin this new stage properly? Will they sink even lower going into next season?
