The NHL trade deadline week has arrived, but the market has been slow-moving. The New York Rangers are presumably receiving interest in several players after president and general manager Chris Drury’s “retool” letter in January. When a big trade happens, it can spark movement around the league. Contending teams can get desperate as the deadline approaches, still having holes to fill.
Trocheck’s Trade Status
Rangers center Vincent Trocheck remains at the top of Chris Johnston’s trade board. Minnesota-based colleagues Michael Russo and Joe Smith reported that Wild general manager Bill Guerin has made his “one and final” offer for Trocheck. That obviously hasn’t yet led to a deal, as Drury presumably shops around for a better package. In the interim, Trocheck remains in the Rangers lineup. He had an assist Monday in a 5-4 overtime loss to Columbus after discussing the possibility of a move earlier in the day.
The Rangers could hold onto Trocheck, who is under contract until after the 2028-29 season, and reassess in the summer, but that comes with risk. Though teams get desperate at the trade deadline, they might be more cautious over the summer when it’s not their last chance to bolster a playoff roster.
Other Potential Trades
Trocheck is the biggest name the Rangers have available. Braden Schneider and Alexis Lafrenière remain trade possibilities, too, but Drury should feel no pressure to move them unless he gets a compelling offer. The pair is only 24 years old and has team control. Schneider is a restricted free agent after this season, and Lafrenière is in the first year of a seven-year deal with a $7.45 million average annual value.
Bottom-Six Forward Adjustments
The bottom-six forward group could get shaken up in the coming days, especially after the Rangers claimed former Seattle Kraken winger Tye Kartye off waivers. New York has a bit of a logjam on its third and fourth lines, especially after adding Kartye and activating Conor Sheary off long-term injured reserve. Brennan Othmann and Brett Berard have gotten sporadic NHL looks this season but are now down in AHL Hartford, and Jonny Brodzinski has been a healthy scratch in three games since the Olympic break. Adam Edström has been out since November, but he looks close to returning. He’s been completing full practices while still on injured reserve.
Othmann’s name has been in trade talks throughout the season, and the Rangers could finally make a move this deadline. He is in his final year of waiver exemption.
The 32-year-old Brodzinski is another trade possibility in the coming days. Coach Mike Sullivan hasn’t played him consistently, and he’s in the final year of his deal. A contender could add him as a 13th or 14th forward. He’s appeared in playoff games before (one in 2022 and three in 2024) and has some offensive ability, having scored 12 goals in 51 games in 2024-25. He has on