Three surprising New York Rangers players emerge as trade candidates ahead of upcoming trade deadline

As of right now, according to the official NHL standings the Rangers are currently sitting in 5th place of the Metropolitan Division with 58pts, which is two points behind the Boston Bruins and Blue Jackets as they currently have 60pts, and three points behind the Detroit Red Wings as they are holding the second wild card spot, for the Eastern Conference.

If the Rangers want to retool their group before the 2025 trade deadline, they must clear up some space. So here's a few players that have emerged as possible trade candidates before the deadline.

Defensman, Ryan Lindgren is a player who many expect the Rangers to move by the deadline as his name has been surrounded by trade talks.

Several teams are searching for a shutdown defenseman who kills penalties and can play top-four minutes, and Ryan Lindgren is just the guy who can offer that for many organizations.

Veteran forward, Reilly Smith is another pending unrestricted free agent who has the potential to be dealt by the deadline.

Several contenders have shown interest in adding him to their middle six as he has plenty of playoff experience, and has recently been linked to his former team.

However within just 54 games this season with the Rangers the 33-year old has managed to tally 10 goals, 16 assists for a total of 26 points, and a plus-1 rating.

Finally defensman K'Andre Miller, who has also been surrounded by trade talks this season, but unlike Lindgren and Smith, Miller is a pending restricted free agent, meaning he will remain under the Rangers control this offseason.

However, with the Rangers season has been going, it's clear that they need to change up their defensive core and Millers name keeps getting brought up in conversation. Making him a prime trade candidate to look out for as the March 7th deadline approaches.