The NHL Trade Deadline has come and gone. The arms race is over for the short time and the final stretch for the Stanley Cup playoffs is on the horizon. The New York Rangers made several strategic moves to bolster its lineup, with a focus on improving depth and balance, while keeping the team’s chemistry intact.
The Rangers finalized trades for Alex Wennberg, Jack Roslovic, Chad Ruhwedel, and Nic Petan. No stars, but if Rangers fans learned anything last year, going all in on someone like Patrick Kane at the deadline isn’t always the answer. We can only wait and see this spring.
Alex Wennberg
The first move the Rangers made was acquiring Center Alex Wennberg from the Seattle Kraken. Wennberg is a seasoned player and is expected to add depth to the Rangers’ forward group. He has been a consistent contributor, reaching the 20 point mark in each season of his career. His best season was with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2016-17, where he amassed 59 points.
The Rangers traded a 2024 second-round draft pick and a conditional 2025 fourth-round draft pick for Wennberg. The Kraken also agreed to retain 50 percent of Wennberg’s $4.5 million average annual value (AAV), facilitating the deal under the Rangers’ cap.
Jack Roslovic Trade
Just before the deadline, the Rangers landed forward Jack Roslovic from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Roslovic, known for his speed and skill, is expected to provide the Rangers with a much-needed element of pace in their forward group. This season, Roslovic has posted 23 points (six goals and 17 assists) in 40 games, showcasing his potential for secondary offense.
In exchange for Roslovic, the Rangers sent a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. The pick could become a third-round selection if the Rangers reach the Stanley Cup Final this year, and Roslovic plays in at least 50 percent of their postseason games.
Chad Ruhwedel’s Entry
In addition to Roslovic, the Rangers also acquired defenseman Chad Ruhwedel from the Pittsburgh Penguins. Ruhwedel, a veteran defenseman, brings a wealth of experience, including a Stanley Cup win with Pittsburgh in 2017. He’s expected to fill a depth role on defense, providing much-needed cover and competition. The Rangers sent a fourth-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft to the Penguins in exchange for Ruhwedel.
Nic Petan’s Arrival
The Rangers also made a minor American Hockey League (AHL) trade with Minnesota, acquiring forward Nic Petan. Although Petan is not expected to play a prominent role in the Rangers’ lineup, his addition provides further depth and options for the team.
Trade Strategy
The Rangers’ approach to the trade deadline demonstrates a clear strategy. The franchise was careful to avoid disrupting team chemistry, opting instead to fill specific needs. This prudence is reminiscent of their approach two years ago, which proved to be successful.
Following the trades, the Rangers have a number of options for their lineup. Roslovic could be slotted in the top line or be a solid addition to the bottom six. Wennberg is expected to take on the role of the team’s third-line center, relieving some of the defensive duties from the top line. Ruhwedel, meanwhile, provides necessary depth on the defense.
Impact on the Metropolitan Division
The Rangers’ moves on deadline day appear to be aimed at maintaining their strong position in the Metropolitan Division. The team is in first place with a considerable lead over their rivals, the Carolina Hurricanes; Carolina made a splash at the deadline, acquiring Jake Guentzel from the Pittsburgh Penguins. That asking price may have been too rich for the Rangers, hence the pivot to Wennberg, Roslovic, Ruhwedel, and Petan. Depsite the different strategy, this should bolster the Rangers’ lineup and help them stay competitive in the division.
Ryan Lindgren was asked about the mood in the Rangers' locker room ahead of the trade deadline:
— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) March 5, 2024
"We feel good about where we've put ourselves as far as where the standings are. and the kind of hockey we've played the whole year, especially as of late" pic.twitter.com/FndIWkkTNc
#NYR trade deadline:
— Will Cohen (@WillMCohen) March 8, 2024
In
F Alexander Wennberg
D Chad Ruhwedel
F Jack Roslovic
Out
2024 2nd Round Pick
2025 4th Round Pick
2027 4th Round Pick
2026 4th Round Pick*
*Becomes 3rd round pick if Rangers reach the Stanley Cup
Injury Updates
Injury updates were also a factor of the deadline day news for the Rangers. The team announced that their captain Jacob Trouba would be out for two to three weeks due to a lower-body injury. This news further underlines the importance of the Ruhwedel acquisition, as he’s expected to fill in during Trouba’s absence.
Expectations for the Remainder of the Season
With their deadline day acquisitions, the Rangers have improved their chances for a successful remainder of the season. The new additions bring much-needed depth and versatility to the lineup, which should enable the team to maintain their strong position in the division and make a deep run in the playoffs. Despite some splashes made across the league, this is them showing their expressed confidence in the abilities and fit of the new players, enhancing the core the Rangers have built.
Playoff Time
The Rangers’ moves on deadline day have set them up well for the rest of the season. While they didn’t make the big splash that many fans were hoping for, the team has improved its depth and balance, which should serve them well in the competitive Metropolitan Division.
Pray for a parade.
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