New York Rangers' GM Confirms to Fanbase - Trades On The Way

Friday, January 16, 2026

The New York Rangers are out of it already this season, and changes are on the way.

How sure are we? Very sure, as it's not often you see a general manager of a team send out a letter to the fanbase giving them fair warning that some roster changes are on the way. Full rebuild? No, it doesn't sound like that, but more so a roster re-tool for GM Chris Drury.

The Rangers enter the weekend dead last in the Eastern Conference with a 20-22-6 record, and this is what Drury had to say on Friday:

With our position in the standings and injuries to key players this season, we must be honest and realistic about our situation. We are not going to stand pat - a shift will give us the ability to be smart and opportunistic as we retool the team. This will not be a rebuild. This will be a retool around our core players and prospects. We will target players, draft picks, and cap space to allow us flexibility moving forward. That may mean saying goodbye to players that have brought us and our fans great moments over the years.
"No one in the organization is happy with what has transpired - from management to coaches to players," Drury added. "Over the last few years, we've had some successes and moments to cherish, but ultimately it was not the end goal."

Look for the Rangers to 100% trade Artemi Panarin, that's a given, as they'll look to cash in on their pending unrestricted free agent, and the biggest fish available at the market. Meanwhile, a couple of interest trade chips for the Rangers could be former first-overall pick Alexis Lafreniere and Mika Zibanejad, who does hold a no-movement clause, and would have to agree to the deal. Things can move quick though once someone tells you that you're not wanted anymore.

Keep an eye on broadway, some big moves coming in the Big Apple.

Photo credit:  The Journal News-Imagn Images
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