NHL Trade Preview: New York Rangers Could Make 3 Blockbuster Trades in 2025-26

The New York Rangers are a team to watch this season, as things could go one of two ways. Should they get off to a strong start in 2025-26, expect to see GM Chris Drury up to his usual tricks being aggressive on the trade market. However, should they be struggling to secure a playoff spot, expect a number of blockbuster trades from the Rangers.

It will all start with Artemi Panarin. The Russian winger is entering the final season of his contract at $11.6 million cap hit, and while he does have a no-movement clause, there'd be no shortage of interest in the dynamic talent. He's been traded twice before so he's no stranger to how this process works. The Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers are two teams that immediately stand out as teams Panarin would accept deals to.

Alexis Lafreniere is another trade candidate to keep an eye on. He's been very inconsistent to start his career and at 23 years old, there's still plenty of untapped potential that teams would love to add to their roster. The former #1 overall pick is signed through the 2031-32 season at $7.4 million AAV, but his no-trade clause doesn't kick in for two more years.

Mika Zibanejad is also another Rangers' forward to keep an eye on. There's been plenty of trade speculation regarding his future in New York, and last season he was like to the Maple Leafs and Avalanche. There's no doubt a trade could be coming if he doesn't get off to a strong start this season. The Swedish center has five years left on his deal at $8.5 million, and he does control his own destiny with a full no-movement clause.

As far as defence and goaltending deals, don't expect much from the Rangers. Drury has made a number of changes to the back end in New York the past three seasons, including moving K'Andre Miller this past summer to the Hurricanes. 

The Rangers are a team to watch this season on the trade market, as things could go south in a hurry, and a fire sale may be coming on Broadway.

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