New York Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury has announced that the team will undergo a "retool" for the remainder of the season, emphasizing that it will not be a full rebuild. This strategic shift, communicated in a letter to fans, centers around the team's core players and prospects, with Drury acknowledging that some long-serving players might be traded or depart via free agency. The decision comes as the Rangers are struggling, currently in last place in the Eastern Conference and tied for the most games played, with a significant goal differential deficit. Recent injuries to key players like defenseman Adam Fox and goaltender Igor Shesterkin have further diminished hopes of a playoff contention this season.
The retooling process has already seen significant movement, with reports indicating that forward Artemi Panarin will not receive an extension offer and is expected to be traded. Panarin, who holds a full no-movement clause, will have a say in his next destination, potentially impacting the return the Rangers receive in a trade. Other pending unrestricted free agents for the Rangers include Jonny Brodzinski, Conor Sheary, and Carson Soucy. While veteran goaltender Jonathan Quick has expressed a preference for either remaining with the Rangers or retiring, other veterans on contracts through the 2026-27 season, such as Taylor Raddysh, Sam Carrick, and Urho Vaakanainen, could also become trade candidates. The Rangers aim to leverage these potential departures to acquire assets before the March 6th trade deadline.