With the NHL’s Olympic break roster freeze just a few weeks away and the March 6 trade deadline looming, the New York Rangers are quickly becoming one of the most talked-about teams on the trade market. Sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference at 20-22-6, the Rangers are in a tough spot - but that doesn’t mean they’re without leverage. In fact, with the league’s historic parity this season, New York might be one of the few clear sellers in a crowded playoff race, giving them a unique opportunity to capitalize on teams looking to add at the deadline.
According to league insiders, teams around the NHL are already circling the Rangers' roster, sensing a chance to pry away some valuable pieces. As Dave Pagnotta noted on NHL Network, “When you’re in this scenario, when you’re starting to flounder, all the teams come out of the woodwork and start poking around on certain guys.” And with the Rangers clearly slipping, the calls are coming in.
The big name that always draws attention is Artemi Panarin. But moving the star winger is anything but simple.
Panarin holds a full no-move clause, meaning he’d have to personally approve any trade. On top of that, his $11.64 million cap hit is a tough pill for any contender to swallow, especially with so many teams already up against the ceiling.
If a deal were to materialize, it would almost certainly require a third team to help retain salary - a point raised by Colin Stephenson on the latest RINK RAP podcast.
But while Panarin might be the headline, there’s another name generating buzz: Vincent Trocheck. Over the last couple of days, Trocheck has emerged as a player teams are quietly inquiring about.
He’s not just a throw-in - he’s been one of the Rangers’ most consistent performers this season. A reliable two-way center with playoff experience, Trocheck brings versatility, leadership, and a cap-friendly deal that makes him an appealing target.
At 32, Trocheck still has three years left on his contract after this season, carrying a manageable $5.625 million cap hit. That kind of term and value makes him a strong fit for a contending team looking to solidify its center depth.
He’s the kind of player who can anchor a third line, slide up when needed, play on both special teams, win face-offs, and show up in the big moments. He’s also a U.S.
Olympian - a testament to his pedigree and experience.
While the trade chatter swirls, the Rangers are still trying to find something - anything - to build on. And there may be a silver lining in the form of their young talent.
Rookies like Gabe Perreault and Noah Laba have shown flashes of promise, giving fans a glimpse of what could be a brighter future. Their recent performances have offered a much-needed jolt of energy in an otherwise difficult season.
Then there’s the goaltending situation. With veteran Jonathan Quick struggling of late, there’s growing sentiment that Dylan Garand deserves a look. The young netminder has yet to make his NHL debut, but with the season slipping away, the case for giving him a shot is getting stronger by the day.
And let’s not forget the emotional weight of this stretch. The Rangers are in the middle of a tough test, and no one knows that pressure better than Henrik Lundqvist.
The Hall-of-Famer recently spoke about the team being “tested” - and it’s hard to argue. Blowout losses, trade rumors, and a slipping record have all combined to put this group under the microscope.
The next few weeks will be telling. Whether the Rangers go full-sell mode or look to retool on the fly, the phones are ringing, and the rest of the league is watching closely. For now, the spotlight is on the front office - and how they navigate this stretch could shape the franchise’s direction for years to come.