The 2025-26 season certainly did not treat the New York Rangers kindly. The Blueshirts finished the campaign with a 34-39-9 record and at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings with only 77 points. The only teams that had fewer points than the Rangers this campaign were the Chicago Blackhawks and Vancouver Canucks, so it was certainly a year to forget for the Rangers.
With the Rangers putting together another disappointing season, general manager Chris Drury sent a letter to fans confirming that the team was starting a retool. Drury stayed true to his words, as he traded Artemi Panarin (Los Angeles Kings), Carson Soucy (New York Islanders), Brennan Othmann (Calgary Flames), and Sam Carrick (Buffalo Sabres) during the season.
Yet, with the Rangers still in their retool and how badly this season went for them, there is no question that they will be moving on from multiple players this summer. This is the case whether they trade them or let them walk into free agency.
Due to this, let’s look at three Rangers who likely will not be back in New York next season.
Vincent Trocheck Is the Rangers’ Top Trade Candidate
Leading up to the trade deadline, Vincent Trocheck was one of the NHL’s top trade candidates. However, the Rangers decided not to move him ahead of the deadline, as they did not get the kind of offer they were looking for. Yet, the Rangers are fully expected to listen to offers for him again this summer as they continue their retool.
With this year’s free agency class being weak at the center position, Trocheck should generate a ton of interest around the league. It is no secret that he was a popular trade target at the deadline, as teams like the Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota Wild, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Carolina Hurricanes were all linked to him. With all of this, it would not be shocking in the slightest if Trocheck ends up being moved for a big return this offseason.
Conor Sheary Is Unlikely to be Re-Signed by the Rangers
After standing out during the preseason on a professional tryout (PTO) for the Rangers last preseason, Conor Sheary earned himself a one-year contract from the Blueshirts for the 2025-26 season. He played in 62 games for the Rangers this campaign, where he had seven goals, 18 points, and a plus-1 rating.
Overall, Sheary proved to be a decent depth addition for the Rangers this campaign, especially when noting that he had a $775,000 cap hit. However, with the Rangers focused on the future, it seems unlikely that they will bring back the 33-year-old Sheary next season.
Jonny Brodzinski Is a Another Forward the Rangers Will Likely Move on From
Jonny Brodzinski has been a depth forward for the Rangers since the 2020-21 season. Yet, with the 32-year-old forward being a pending UFA and the Rangers being focused on the future, it would be understandable if they did not bring him back.
The Rangers should be prioritizing their younger talent during this rebuild, so it would make sense if Brodzinski hits the market this summer. In 55 games this season for New York, he had six goals and 16 points.
3 New York Rangers Who Likely Won’t Be Back Next Season