The New York Rangers are bracing for an extremely important few months ahead. GM Chris Drury has already begun a roster retool by offloading superstar Artemi Panarin and defenseman Carson Soucy. There are, however, likely more deals on the horizon.
Star center Vincent Trocheck is almost certain to depart the Big Apple before the March 6 trade deadline. In fact, the veteran remains atop The Athletic’s newest trade board. Braden Schneider has been heavily linked with a move away from New York in recent days as well. Drury has named his price tag for both players and is willing to wait it out for the right offer.
The duo may not be the only Rangers players set to be traded in the coming days, though. It was previously reported that the team brass is open to legitimate offers for all of their players except Igor Shesterkin. The standout shot-stopper is now widely seen as the most important player on the team. While Shesterkin is untouchable, the report seemed to question Adam Fox’s future with the club.
The premier blueliner then did not exactly cement his future in New York when quizzed about the situation. Reporters specifically asked Fox if he wanted to stick around through a retool on February 26. “I think that’s a conversation for when we’re done playing games,” replied the defenseman. Despite this, The Athletic’s Vince Mercogliano does not believe Fox will be dealt this week. Instead, the star will reassess his future in the summer.
Adam Fox Would Remain with New York Rangers if Retooling Goes Well
GettyAdam Fox is expected to decide on his future this summer.
According to the reporter, Fox essentially wants to see how Drury handles the retool before making a firm decision. This particular timeframe would include up until the trade deadline and the early stages of the offseason. The American blueliner is apparently willing to go through a retool, but only if there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
If Drury can navigate the difficult situation and rebuild New York’s roster in the coming months, Fox is likely expected to stay. This scenario would be crucial to the Rangers’ future success. Nevertheless, the GM could basically persuade the star to leave town if he fumbles the retool.
Fox has three more seasons remaining on his massive seven-year, $66.5 million contract ($9.5 million AAV). The defenseman also holds a lot of leverage in the situation. Much like with Panarin, Fox has a full no-movement clause in the deal through the 2026-27 season. A 16-team no-trade clause then kicks in at the start of the 2027-28 campaign.
New York Needs to Keep Star Defenseman
Rangers fans will undoubtedly hope that Fox remains with the club. New York is clearly a better team with the star in the lineup. In fact, the Rangers have won 15 of 32 games this season when Fox plays, but just eight of 27 when he is sidelined. The blueliner helps strengthen the team’s defense, while also providing some firepower on the power play.
Fox’s future, potentially determined by how Drury handles the roster, is a scary scenario for Rangers fans. Many supporters already want the exec gone, but fumbling a star like the defenseman would likely be the final straw for Drury.
Star Rangers Player Assesses Future with Team