NY Rangers Continue to Shake Up Roster With Another Trade

Key players involved

During his seven-season tenure with the Rangers, Ryan Lindgren contributed 99 points in 387 regular-season games. His relentless style earned him the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award for the 2022-23 campaign. The 2024-25 season presented contrasting outcomes for Lindgren. While he reached a career-best 19 points in 54 games, his defensive numbers declined considerably. Not hard to believe if you account for the injury history he has piled up in his years in New York. Jimmy Vesey concludes his return stint having tallied six points across 33 games this season. His NHL journey spans 616 regular-season appearances, yielding 192 points with 100 goals.

The Rangers welcome Juuso Parssinen, who brings 48 points from 126 NHL contests. The 24-year-old Finnish center stands 6-foot-3, weighing 212 pounds. New York’s scouting department monitored Parssinen extensively throughout his Nashville tenure. Calvin de Haan adds veteran presence with 676 NHL games for a handful of NHL teams.

Draft picks acquired

The Rangers enhanced their draft assets significantly. The standout addition involves a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. This selection guarantees New York the superior pick between Carolina’s and their original choice. The package includes a fourth-round pick for 2025. This grants the Rangers the preferable selection between Colorado’s and Vancouver’s picks.

The agreement features the Rangers retaining 50% of Lindgren’s $4.50 million salary cap charge. This arrangement benefits Colorado’s financial structure while optimizing New York’s return. Chris Drury’s vision focuses on strengthening the Rangers’ draft position. Before this trade, the team lacked second-round picks for three consecutive drafts. These newly acquired selections bolster their future prospects while sustaining current competitive status.

Major Roster Changes in 2024-25

The New York Rangers reshaped their identity through multiple moves since last year’s disappointing ending. The San Jose Sharks claimed Barclay Goodrow off waivers, setting off a chain of player movements. Detroit secured Erik Gustafsson, who delivered 31 points across 76 games. Jacob Trouba‘s move to Anaheim for Urho Vaakanainen marked a pivotal shift. The Seattle Kraken then landed Kaapo Kakko, offering Will Borgen in return. Filip Chytil’s run with the team concluded following his 10-goal, 18-point effort through 37 games. Other roster shifts included Alex Wennberg moving on, and Jack Roslovic finding his way to Carolina.

The 2025 Trade Deadline

The data reveals Chris Drury’s mindset heading into the 2025 NHL trade deadline. According to multiple sources, his approach showcases a clear vision for the team’s direction through significant transactions. Initially, the Rangers’ position displays exceptional flexibility as the deadline nears. The numbers show their draft picks provide remarkable leverage for upcoming negotiations. The reality is several critical choices await regarding key players approaching free agency. Ryan Lindgren being a RFA this Summer definitely contributed to his departure.

The impact extends beyond conventional wisdom as Drury’s philosophy indicates every player could move. This development suggests a dramatic shift from traditional thinking. The numbers paint a compelling picture of the team’s willingness to make bold choices. Unlike previous seasons, scouts from multiple organizations attend each game. This initiative is part of ongoing discussions regarding potential player movement. The percentage of talks centers on players with existing contract terms, allowing teams to secure long-term assets.

Chances of making the playoffs

Despite how bad they have looked at times, the Rangers are still in the race for playoff contention. Their path mirrors some of their past struggles, yet stands as a benchmark for what lies ahead. They currently sit four points behind Detroit and six points behind Columbus for the final Eastern Conference wild card positions. Just recently experiencing an 8-2 loss to Buffalo followed by a 5-3 win over Pittsburgh shows their varying form. Ottawa and Boston currently sit above New York in the wildcard race as well. 

A crucial stretch awaits against playoff-contending teams, starting with Nashville and Washington. The team must press forward without Adam Fox, their elite defenseman. Fox’s upper-body injury placed him on injured reserve. Though not ending his season, his absence profoundly impacts defensive schemes. Igor Shesterkin remains vital to playoff aspirations. His 20-21-2 record includes three shutouts, yet his 2.93 goals-against average falls short of past excellence.