6 New York Rangers Who Are 'Untouchable'

The New York Rangers started their 'retool' this past regular season, moving out Artemi Panarin and some smaller pieces like Carson Soucy and Sam Carrick, among others. 

But there are some other big names still potentially on the trade block for the next phase of the planned shuffling of the roster. Vincent Trocheck is the most notable. 

But according to Vincent Mercogliano and Peter Baugh of The Athletic, there are six Rangers who we should NOT expect to see traded, who are, essentially, 'untouchable' — in most cases, because their contracts say they are. They list them as follows:

Mika Zibanejad

The 10-year Ranger and 15-year NHL veteran, Zibanejad staged somewhat of a renaissance season, quieting the calls to ship him out of town after last season's down year. But whether he scores 34 goals (as he did this season), or just 20 goals (last year), Zibby has a full no-move clause, and he has no intention of leaving the Big Apple.

“I want to be here to turn this around,” he said after the regular season ended. He has four years remaining on his deal at $8.5M AAV. 

Adam Fox

Despite some murmurs around town that Fox might not be happy with the direction of the team, he stated after the season that he was encouraged by “promising signs” to end the campaign. He, too, has a full no-move that kicked in last July 1. He has three years to run at a $9.5M cap hit.

JT Miller

He has said repeatedly that he isn't going anywhere. He has a full no-move and on July 1, 2027, a modified no-trade clause with a 15-team no-trade list kicks in.

Vladislav Gavrikov

Just completing his first year with the Blueshirts, and his first year of a seven-year contract with a $7M AAV, Gavrikov also has a full no-move clause for the first five years of his deal. And as Baugh & Mercogliano ask, "Why would the Rangers want to trade their No. 2 defenseman if they’re trying to turn things around quickly?"

Igor Shesterkin

Likewise, the Vezina-winning goalie just started his long-term deal this season, and has seven more years to run at an $11.5 million AAV. And, of course, just like with Gavrikov, why would the Rangers want to trade one of the best goalies in hockey if they hope to compete in short order?

Gabe Perreault

Ah, finally a Rangers player who doesn't have a no-move or a no-trade. But he'd also likely be a big 'NO' if any rival team came calling. Baugh & Mercogliano write that the Blueshirts "desperately need young skill," and as their top prospect, Perreault is as untouchable as it gets without an NMC. 

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