NY Rangers 'Planning To Do More' This Summer: 3 Trade Targets Up Front

The New York Rangers have made some notable upgrades this offseason, including the splashy signing of RFA Pavel Dorofeyev, the trade for Sean Durzi and the additional signing of Oliver Bjorkstrand. But according to insider Vince Mercogniano of The Athletic, the Blueshirts are not done yet bolstering their forward group. 

Multiple league sources, speaking anonymously to describe behind-the-scenes personnel talks, have indicated New York is aiming to do more, specifically by acquiring additional help up front. 

The Rangers are at least another top-six forward away from becoming a viable contender, but even a top-nine upgrade would aid the cause. 

I’m hearing that Drury remains on the prowl for a forward to bring in before training camp begins in mid-September.

From there, Mercogliano goes on to suggest a number of names that could be on their radar, including picking from amongst the leftovers of a slim UFA class. 

But some bigger moves could be had on the trade market. Here are 3 targets that make sense for New York:

Brock Boeser and Jake DeBrusk, Vancouver Canucks

Rangers captain JT Miller has a history with both of the Vancouver trade candidates, playing extensively with Boeser, in particular. The two were part of the Canucks' famed Lotto Line. DeBrusk & Miller overlapped for half a season in Vancouver before the latter was traded to New York. 

Both Boeser and DeBrusk would add a goal-scoring boost for the Rangers up front.

Bryan Rust, Pittsburgh Penguins

Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan, who coached Bryan Rust in Pittsburgh for 10 years, "regards him as one of his favorite players," Mercogliano wrote. 

Whether New York has the younger type of trade assets that the Pens are looking for is another question. 

A lesser cost might be found on the trade market if the Rangers have interest in bringing back Frank Vatrano, the insider added. The Anaheim Ducks are looking to move out some money, and Vatrano is their preferred salary dump. 

Vatrano had a nice 22-game run on Broadway in 2022 after being acquired at the trade deadline, with eight goals and 13 points.