The New York Rangers are hoping to rebound from last season’s disappointment. After a strong 12-4-0 start to the year, New York fell off a cliff. A season full of off-ice drama and controversial management decisions ended with the team missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs altogether.
The Rangers are a rather proud organization, given their history. So it’s no real surprise that they attacked the offseason with aggression. Chris Kreider and K’Andre Miller were traded in separate trades. And they signed Vladislav Gavrikov to help bolster their blueline.
The 2025-26 NHL season is quickly approaching. In fact, the Blueshirts have a little over a month before their 2025-26 season opener. The Rangers take on the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 7th. Time is running out to improve this roster.
New York can still make a move or two, though. There are potential trade candidates who have yet to move. It was a rather quiet summer on the trade market despite rumors of increased trade activity across the league.
The Rangers would be wise to add a left-shot defenseman to their roster. And there is an elite defender who could be available soon, if he isn’t already. With this in mind, Heavy.com proposes the following trade between New York and the Seattle Kraken:
New York Rangers acquire: Vince Dunn
Seattle Kraken acquire: Drew Fortescue, Carson Soucy, and a conditional 2028 second-round pick that becomes a 2027 first-round pick if the Rangers make the Eastern Conference Finals in 2026 or 2027.
Vince Dunn Trade Could Cement Kraken Rebuild
Steph Chambers/Getty ImagesSeattle Kraken star Vince Dunn could become a trade candidate this season.
The Kraken made the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2023, and Dunn was a major reason why. He provided incredible defensive cover in his own zone. In the offensive zone, he added 14 goals and 64 points to help Seattle to its first postseason appearance.
Since then, though, Seattle has not fared too well on the ice. The Kraken have missed the postseason in each of the last two seasons. And they’ve finished near the bottom of the league both times.
Dunn is signed through the 2026-27 campaign. The star defenseman has remained one of the best defenseman in the league. However, the Kraken are unlikely to contend for the postseason by the time his deal expires. As a result, they could put him on the trade market and see what they could get.
Rangers Fortify Top-Four Defense With Dunn Trade Pitch
The Rangers did sign Gavrikov to play next to Adam Fox. However, this trade pitch gives them more options in the top four. New York could pair the defensive specialist Gavrikov with Fox. Or they could give Fox another offensive outlet to work with in Dunn.
Either way, New York’s top four would be absolutely incredible. Dunn and Gavrikov can handle top-pairing minutes. While Dunn is more of a No. 1 option, Gavrikov can handle himself well as a No. 2 next to Fox.
This trade pitch would bring the Rangers closer to playoff contention. Meanwhile, the Kraken would receive a promising defensive prospect and a potential first-round pick. All in all, it’s a deal that could benefit both sides.
Blockbuster Rangers Trade Pitch Lands Elite $29.4 Million Defenseman