The New York Rangers find themselves in a tailspin, and with the 2026 NHL trade deadline looming - not once, but twice this year due to the Winter Olympic roster freeze - all signs point to a team shifting into seller mode.
They’ve dropped 8 of their last 9 games and surrendered a staggering 30 goals in their last five. That’s not just a rough stretch - that’s a full-blown crisis.
With their two best players sidelined and the team stuck near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, the front office may have no choice but to start looking toward the future. And that future could involve some major names on the move.
Artemi Panarin: The Big Chip
At the top of the list is Artemi Panarin, a pending unrestricted free agent and arguably the Rangers’ most valuable trade asset. His name has been swirling in trade talks for weeks, and with good reason. Panarin still has elite offensive upside, and even in a down year for the team, he’s shown flashes of the dynamic playmaker who’s been a difference-maker since arriving in New York.
The expectation is that Panarin will be asked to waive his no-move clause - not a matter of if, but when. And make no mistake, he could bring back a serious haul.
We’re talking about a potential return that includes a first-round pick and a blue-chip prospect. For a contending team looking to load up for a Cup run, Panarin could be the kind of addition that shifts the balance of power.
Vincent Trocheck: A Smart Piece for the Right Fit
The other notable name drawing attention is Vincent Trocheck. The veteran center has quietly been one of the Rangers’ most consistent performers, producing at a 60-70 point pace while playing a responsible two-way game. He’s locked in for three more seasons at a $5.625 million cap hit - a bargain for a high-end second-line center.
Trocheck was a savvy addition by GM Chris Drury, but with the Rangers in need of a retool, his value on the trade market may never be higher. Teams looking for a dependable center with playoff experience and cost certainty will be calling. Unlike Panarin, who would likely fetch future assets, the ask for Trocheck could lean more toward young, NHL-ready talent - the kind of players who can step into the lineup now and help bridge the gap to the next competitive window.
Other Names to Watch
While Panarin and Trocheck are the headliners, don’t be surprised if more names start surfacing soon. Alexis Lafrenière and Braden Schneider haven’t officially hit the trade board yet, but in a season like this, no one should be considered untouchable. Both are young, promising players who could either be part of the solution in New York - or valuable trade chips if the right offer comes along.
With two trade deadlines on the calendar this year, the Rangers have a unique opportunity to reshape their roster - and perhaps their identity - in a meaningful way. The next few weeks will be telling. If the losing continues, expect the calls to get louder, and the moves to follow.