The New York Rangers are in the midst of a tumultuous season, and it seems the organization is ready to make bold moves in order to salvage their playoff hopes. After suffering a disappointing 5-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday—marking their ninth defeat in the past 12 games—the Rangers are now signaling that they are “open for business,” according to a report from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
Friedman, speaking during the “Saturday Headlines” segment of Hockey Night in Canada, revealed that the Rangers are actively exploring all possible options as they approach the trade deadline. The team is clearly in a state of flux, and their performance has raised serious concerns about their ability to contend this season. “The Rangers are open for business,” Friedman said. “They’ve already traded Jacob Trouba. They’ve let it be known that Chris Kreider is available. They have some untouchables like Shesterkin, who they just signed, and there are no-move clauses. But I think they’re willing to consider all options. They want to hear ideas people have, and they’re listening to what could be out there for them.”
The team’s frustration has been evident in the locker room. Rangers forward Vincent Trocheck spoke candidly after the loss to the Kings, expressing his dissatisfaction with the current state of play. “What we say in here stays in here. There’s a lot of things that you can say, but at the end of the day, you need to perform on the ice. You need to make sure you show up and give it your all every shift. Right now, I feel like we’re not doing that,” Trocheck said, highlighting the internal struggles the team is facing.
In a move signaling their intent to reshape the roster, the Rangers completed a trade on December 8 that sent former team captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks, clearing up $6.9 million in salary cap space. With this move, the Rangers have demonstrated their willingness to part with key players in hopes of revitalizing the team.
Beyond Trouba, it appears the Rangers are actively shopping other players, with forwards Chris Kreider and Kaapo Kakko, along with defenseman Ryan Lindgren, all reportedly available. Sources from The Fourth Period suggest that there are teams expressing interest in Lindgren, who is in the final year of his contract. Additionally, newly acquired forward Reilly Smith, who came to New York from the Pittsburgh Penguins in the offseason, is also believed to be on the trade block as he enters the final year of his contract.
The Rangers’ current strategy involves making significant changes to their roster as they try to halt their slide down the standings. Although goaltender Igor Shesterkin is considered untouchable, the team is leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of a solution. The trades of Trouba and the availability of other key players signal the front office’s recognition that a major shift may be necessary if they are to have a shot at playoff contention this season.
While the Rangers’ front office explores their options, the pressure is mounting for the players to turn things around on the ice. As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on New York to see how they continue to reshape their roster and whether these changes will have the desired effect.
