Overview
- New York moved veterans before the deadline but kept Vincent Trocheck and Braden Schneider, and multiple outlets now expect the team to shop both in the offseason.
- Alexis Lafrenière has 24 points in his last 24 games, including 18 in 16 since Artemi Panarin’s departure, which has lifted his market value.
- Lafrenière is signed for seven years at a $7.45 million cap hit, so any trade would commit a buyer to a core piece rather than a short-term rental.
- Reporting indicates the Rangers prefer a young player with untapped potential over draft picks if they move Lafrenière.
- The 2026 draft looms large for the reset, with two first-round picks and seven selections in the first three rounds in a summer likely to feature more significant trades after a quieter deadline.