The New York Rangers are hitting the reset button-again. Nearly eight years after their last public declaration of a roster overhaul, the team has released a new letter to fans and media, signaling a fresh pivot in their pursuit of Stanley Cup contention. This time, it’s not a full rebuild, but a “retool”-a strategic reshaping of the roster aimed at getting the Blueshirts back into the title conversation without tearing everything down.
So far, the only move on the books is a brief recall of defenseman Connor Mackey, but that’s likely just the tip of the iceberg. With the NHL trade deadline looming on March 6, expect the Rangers to be active in reshuffling the deck.
Two names have already emerged as central figures in this retooling effort: Artemi Panarin and Carson Soucy. Both are pending unrestricted free agents, and both could be on the move sooner rather than later.
Let’s start with Soucy. The veteran defenseman is a known commodity-steady, physical, and reliable in his own zone.
With over 400 NHL games under his belt, he brings the kind of experience and grit that playoff-bound teams covet. His $3.25 million cap hit and 12-team no-trade list may complicate things slightly, but the Rangers should have no shortage of suitors.
According to recent reporting, New York could reasonably expect at least a mid-round draft pick in return, which would be a solid piece for a team looking to restock the cupboard without sacrificing its core.
Panarin’s situation? That’s a whole different story.
The star winger holds a full no-move clause, giving him complete control over his fate. After the Rangers’ recent win over the Flyers, Panarin acknowledged the team’s new direction, saying, “I’m still confused, but the GM decided to go in a different direction.
I’m OK with that.” When pressed about waiving his no-move clause, Panarin chose not to comment.
What’s clear is this: the Rangers have told Panarin he won’t be offered a contract extension. That puts the ball squarely in his court.
If he’s open to a move, he’s as good as gone. But if he decides to exercise his no-move rights and stay put, the Rangers’ hands are tied.
The range of possible outcomes here is wide. Panarin could approve a deal to multiple teams, giving New York the leverage to spark a bidding war and maximize the return.
Or, he could narrow his list to one or two preferred destinations, which would significantly reduce the Rangers’ negotiating power. There’s even the chance-however slim-that he opts to stay and ride out the season in New York, walking in free agency this summer.
There’s precedent for this kind of scenario. Back in 2021, Taylor Hall used his no-move clause to engineer a trade from Buffalo to Boston, limiting the Sabres’ options and ultimately yielding a return that many considered underwhelming: a second-round pick and Anders Bjork. While there’s no indication Panarin is taking that route, the comparison underscores just how much influence he holds over the process.
And that influence could extend to the return the Rangers are able to secure. If Panarin isn’t motivated to help the team land a strong package-especially after being told he’s not part of the long-term plan-New York may have to settle for less than his market value.
Beyond Panarin and Soucy, there are other names to watch as the Rangers navigate this transition. Center Vincent Trocheck is reportedly viewed as the club’s most valuable trade chip.
At 32, he’s still producing and could be the top center available in what’s shaping up to be a thin in-season market. A team like the Minnesota Wild, desperate for help down the middle, could come calling.
Then there’s Braden Schneider, a 2020 first-round pick and pending restricted free agent. With Adam Fox and Will Borgen locked up on the right side of the blue line, the Rangers could afford to move Schneider and still maintain depth at the position. His combination of youth, size, and upside would make him a hot commodity, and dealing him could bring back a significant piece for the future.
Unlike Panarin and Soucy, the Rangers have more flexibility with Trocheck and Schneider. Those deals could wait until the offseason, depending on how the market develops.
But the clock is ticking on the pending UFAs. If New York wants to capitalize on their value, the retooling process may kick into high gear well before the March 6 deadline.
The Rangers have made their intentions clear. Now it’s about executing the plan-and navigating the complex decisions that come with reshaping a roster in midseason. Whether this retool leads to a quick turnaround or a longer road back to contention will depend on how these next few weeks unfold.