The New York Rangers are heading for an incredibly important offseason as they continue to retool. After struggling throughout the 2025-26 season, the club opted to trade several key players before the deadline. Artemi Panarin was the biggest subtraction at the time.
While New York was also linked with offloading Vincent Trocheck and Braden Schneider, the duo remains on the team. This, however, is likely to change this summer. Both players are expected to be dealt at some point before the 2026-27 campaign. There is speculation regarding star veterans Adam Fox and Mika Zibanejad as well. Nevertheless, the duo is likely to remain with the Rangers.
Another key player who may be traded this summer is Alexis Lafreniere. The former number one overall selection in the 2020 NHL draft has not yet fully lived up to expectations. This is even though the Rangers rewarded him with a massive seven-year, $52.1 million contract ($7.45 million AAV). As a result, New York was linked with offloading the budding star before the deadline.
The issue, though, was that Lafreniere was underperforming his salary earlier in the current campaign. This, however, has changed. Since Rangers GM Chris Drury announced that the team will be retooling, the forward has been a point-per-game player (24 points in 24 games). Lafreniere has also seemingly benefited from Panarin’s departure. In fact, he has racked up 18 points in 16 games without the superstar Russian.
New York Rangers May Want to Sell High on Alexis Lafreniere This Summer
GettyAlexis Lafreniere has been on fire for the Rangers in his last 24 games.
Drury and the Rangers have a major decision to make regarding Lafreniere. Assuming the winger keeps up this offseason pace, New York could feel as if the former top draft pick is finally reaching his full potential. If so, the club could opt to keep the forward in their top six group moving forward. Although the sample size is small, he has shown that he can handle an increased workload in recent weeks.
Nevertheless, they could also take advantage of Lafreniere’s increased trade value and make a major move. The star was likely not traded ahead of the March 6 deadline due to his diminished value compared to his significant contract. Teams, however, could now be more interested in acquiring Lafreniere this summer due to his recent stellar play.
Upcoming Draft is Critical to New York’s Retooling
The Athletic’s Vince Mercogliano previously reported that New York does not want to offload the forward for more draft picks. Instead, the team prefers to target a young player with “untapped potential” (sound familiar?). Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright could potentially fit in this category, as would Anaheim Ducks star Mason McTavish.
Offseason trades will not be the only thing for Rangers fans to keep an eye on this summer. The upcoming 2026 NHL draft is expected to be crucial to New York’s future. The club would expedite the retooling by acquiring solid pieces via trades. However, due to a lackluster free agency market, Drury and Co. must kill the draft this summer. The Rangers have two first-round picks this summer, and seven selections within the first three rounds.
Rangers Star Boosts Trade Value Amid Uncertain Future