Transaction: 3 New York Rangers find themselves on the trade market
Photo credit: The Hockey Writers
During free-agency teams will attempt to improve their roster through trades and contract signings.
With the Stanley Cup Final's ending, the buyout window remains open for 48 hours, prior to the beginning of the NHL Draft.
Afterwards, July 1st signals the beginning of free-agency and when teams will wheel and deal in talent. The Rangers could be at the center of a lot of attention when free-agency occurs.
While clearing Barclay Goodrow's salary cap off the books, they will need to move more to make bigger moves.
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They could start by moving on from these three players:
Even after signing an extension with the New York Rangers, Kakko could be used a trade piece in the off-season. According to the New York Post's Larry Brooks he could be used in a package deal prior to the NHL draft.
«This is sort of a sell-low scenario but sources report that Drury is also attempting to use Kakko in conjunction with the club's own 30th-overall selection to move up in the first round» (from «How Rangers are approaching critical Jacob Trouba decision after playoff struggles», New York Post, June 24, 2024).
If Kakko is traded, it will signal a sad end to a career in New York, after being selected 2nd overall in 2019. He was once considered to be a future franchise winger, but could never perform up to expectations.
The 23-year old has upside and could find a new home that affords him a better opportunity than he received in New York. All in all, he could be seen as another first-round bust by the Rangers after being given limited opportunities to thrive.
Captain Trouba is likely to be dealt, as his contract is expensive at $8 Million AAV, for who could be considered a third-pairing defenseman. His poor performance in the playoffs could justify moving the defenseman, while Braden Schneider takes on a larger role in the defense.
His contract contains a no-movement clause and upon July 1st, he will have to submit a 15-team no trade list if he is moved.
It's not likely for the team who trades for Trouba will want to take on the full-salary and GM Chris Drury will have to retain money to sweeten the move, as he has two-years left on his contract.
Clearing more cap is paramount for the team to afford a better lineup, while Trouba could find a new home and find a role as a leader elsewhere.
In the Eastern Conference Finals against the Florida Panthers, the New York Rangers were terrible in defense and clearing the puck, the Rangers Blueline needs a different look.
And with Erik Gustafsson being the only UFA, while the Rangers plan on retaining K'Andre Miller, Braden Schneider and Adam Fox, it could mean Ryan Lindgren is a trade chip for the team.
Being an RFA, Lindgren's rights would have to be traded, and would send a message that the team needs to be better on defense.
Lindgren is beloved by teammates and fans alike, as he has spent six season in New York, a defensive warrior by all means. However, Lindgren has a history of injuries and it will wear him down, little by little.
Many teams will be interested in the 26 year old, and the move may shake up morale in the locker-room, but it may need to happen.
This iteration of the Rangers has hit their peak and needs a new look to find success yet again.
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