Rangers Players Compete While Team Plans for Trade Deadline

The Rangers have taken a break this week, though six of their players are participating in the 4 Nations Face-Off. Adam Fox, J.T. Miller, and Vincent Trocheck represented Team USA in a 6-1 victory against Finland, while Mika Zibanejad played for Sweden. Chris Kreider also attended the tournament but was a healthy scratch last Thursday.

The rest of the Rangers will resume practice on February 18. During this in-season break, we decided to answer some reader questions in a two-part mailbag series. Arthur Staple will tackle Part 2 next week.

Regarding Zibanejad's trade rumors, he possesses a full no-movement clause, making a summer trade unlikely unless he waives it. Additionally, New York's attempts to persuade him could risk alienating a player they depend on for performance. With a significant contract, few teams may be able to accommodate his salary, which averages $8.5 million annually through the 2029-30 season.

Despite some concerns, Zibanejad's recent performance shows promise. He has five goals and 16 points in 19 games since January. The Rangers have experimented with his position, successfully moving him to the right wing since Miller’s arrival.

There are also discussions about Artemi Panarin, who also has a no-movement clause. While the Rangers could get a substantial return for him, moving Panarin poses complexities due to his high salary and the potential need for salary retention during a trade. Furthermore, the team would face challenges performing better consistently without his contributions.

Questions have arisen about defenseman Ryan Lindgren, who has been under scrutiny from fans. His performance has declined, but the coaching staff continues to trust him, especially as he partners with Adam Fox.

Looking ahead to possible additions, fans speculate whether the Rangers could contend for a Cup if they acquire a shutdown defenseman and a skilled third-line center. While they would improve, the team isn’t yet at the Cup contender level.

As the trade deadline approaches, potential trades involving Reilly Smith, Lindgren, and other players are under consideration. Drury faces a pivotal decision—whether to build for future success or go for immediate playoff contention. The returns for trading these players are expected to be modest, with Lindgren and Smith likely fetching mid-round picks.

Finally, Kreider's future remains uncertain as Drury mentioned him as a potential trade candidate. However, with limited production and back issues affecting his performance, Kreider's trade value is questionable.