The New York Rangers are set to make significant changes to their defensive core

The team will have numerous unrestricted free agents and restricted free agents to consider as the team moves into off-season mode.

The laundry list includes Ryan Lindgren, Braden Schneider, Erik Gustafsson, and Chad Ruhwedel.

It's likely many of them won't return, as the Rangers defense was uncharacteristically weak against the Panthers in the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Rangers should make it a priority to add depth on defense once July 1st hits, as an upgrade is desperately needed.

It's likely Ruhwedel and Gustafsson won't be in a Blueshirt next season.

Both Lindgren and Schneider could end up staying in New York, but nothing is certain and GM Chris Drury said no moves are off the table.

This leads to the discussion of Captain Jacob Trouba, whose $8 Million AAV contract is very expensive for the Rangers.

Trouba's play has regressed, despite him being a character guy off the ice, and didn't have a great showing in the playoffs.

There's uncertainty whether the team has thought of moving on from Trouba, but could be an option to consider for the team to save cash on, if so.

Could he end up being bought out?

As Drury said, nothing is off the table, and we should expect new defensemen in the ranks next year.

Source: The Hockey News
Big Changes Could Be Coming For Rangers' Defensive Core