The NY Rangers find themselves in a precarious situation this season. The club clearly lacks a top-line center who can drive the top-six forward group.
According to Daily Faceoff, Vincent Trocheck is slated to lead the Rangers’ top line with Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere on the wings.
That’s not a bad line. But it’s not the type of line the Blue Shirts could deploy to scare the Eastern Conference into submission. So, an idea emerges. The St. Louis Blues could be among the teams on the brink of blowing things up.
If that’s the case, the NY Rangers must kick the tires on center Brayden Schenn. The Blues’ captain has three years remaining on his current contract at a solid $6.5 million against the cap. That’s a decent cap hit for a player who could step in to solidify the Rangers’ depth down the middle.
Here’s what the proposed trade could look like:
Rangers get:
Brayden Schenn, F
Blues get:
2026 second-round pick
Juuso Parssinen, C
Brett Berard, F
The Rangers wouldn’t have to give up a first-round pick if they take on Schenn’s full cap hit. However, if the Rangers expect the Blues to retain some salary, the Blues could drive the price up. That price may include the Rangers’ first-round pick.
It’s worth pointing out that the Rangers have two first-rounders in 2026. But the Rangers’ own pick would be the most valuable, as the other originally belonged to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Parssinen would be included as a replacement for Schenn in the Blues’ lineup. Brett Berard, a solid prospect, could be one piece the Blues demand as the price for letting their captain go. Losing Berard would be the price of competing.
Schenn Provides Rangers with Flexibility
In addition to scoring and solid defense, the Rangers get flexibility from Brayden Schenn. The 33-year-old can play down the middle or slide to the wing, if needed.
That flexibility will be something important to head coach Mike Sullivan. The Rangers will need to manage matchups, particularly when facing tougher opponents.
It’s also worth pointing out that having flexibility allows the Rangers to manage injuries. The team’s veteran core could run into injury issues at one point or another. So, Schenn’s ability to play center or wing could be a crucial advantage throughout the season.
In the postseason, Schenn could slide to a spot on the wing if the Rangers stack their top six in key situations.
The versatility that comes from adding Schenn is something that the Rangers could value highly in their quest to make a strong postseason run next year.
Fans Shouldn’t Expect Schenn to Score 100 Points
Realistically, Brayden Schenn will not score 100 points. While he’s a solid scorer and point producer, he won’t be lighting the world on fire.
That said, the Rangers can get reliable scoring and playmaking abilities. Schenn could be a good complement to Panarin, allowing the Russian superstar to run amok on the ice. With a talented team around him, Schenn’s skills could truly shine.
Schenn, of course, shouldn’t be counted on to be a savior. But he is the type of game-changer that was in high demand at last season’s trade deadline.
So, Rangers’ fans should keep an eye on Schenn. If the Blues get off to a rocky start, St. Louis could be move Schenn before the Olympic break in February.
A deal, however, could come much sooner, especially if the price is right.
Rangers Land Top-6 Center in Intriguing Trade Idea