With the NHL Trade Deadline just two days away, activity is ramping up across the league. However, the New York Rangers have already taken care of most of their key moves, making four trades this season, highlighted by the acquisition of J.T. Miller on Jan. 31.
As a result, the Rangers are in a more settled position than many teams still scrambling ahead of Friday’s deadline. Their recent performances—back-to-back shutout victories against the Nashville Predators and New York Islanders—even after trading veterans Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey to Colorado, reflect their stability.
Veteran forward Reilly Smith has been scratched for roster management purposes in the past two games and is expected to be dealt before the deadline. However, any further moves by general manager Chris Drury would be a surprise.
Heading into the final stretch of the season, the Rangers are in a strong position in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Detroit Red Wings lost their third consecutive game on Tuesday, a 2-1 defeat to the Carolina Hurricanes, which leaves the Rangers tied in points with Detroit (66). However, with one more win (31-30) and three more regulation/overtime wins (30-27), the Rangers now hold the second wild-card spot.
A victory against the Washington Capitals at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday would bring them level in points with the Columbus Blue Jackets for the first wild-card spot, though Columbus would have a game in hand.
It’s a remarkable turnaround for a team that appeared to be out of contention in late December. Their in-season trades have played a major role in their resurgence, and the revamped Rangers seem to be fully embracing their new winning identity.
J.T. Miller has been a crucial part of their success since arriving from Vancouver on Jan. 31.
In case you missed it, here are three key takeaways from the Rangers’ 4-0 win over the Islanders on Monday, including a defensive showcase in front of Igor Shesterkin. Also, check out our latest postgame feature highlighting winners and losers from that matchup.
Looking at the Rangers’ AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, we examine the development of forward prospects Jaroslav Chmelar and Dylan Roobroeck, along with a preview of Hartford’s upcoming week.
Elsewhere, Trent Frederic is dealing with an injury, but that didn’t stop the Edmonton Oilers from acquiring the physical forward in a trade with the Boston Bruins ahead of Friday’s deadline.
The Bruins’ playoff hopes in the East appear to be fading. With captain Brad Marchand sidelined week-to-week due to a lower-body injury, they suffered another setback on Tuesday, falling 6-3 to the struggling Nashville Predators.
Meanwhile, Jake Evans is officially off the trade market after signing a four-year contract extension with the Montreal Canadiens worth $2.85 million annually.
For teams looking for a two-way center with Stanley Cup experience, the Seattle Kraken activated Yanni Gourde off injured reserve. He had been sidelined since Jan. 2 following sports hernia surgery.
Seattle is also reportedly willing to retain up to 50% of Brandon Tanev’s $3.5 million cap hit to facilitate a trade, with multiple teams expressing interest in the gritty forward.
Despite speculation, Brock Boeser is not expected to sign a contract extension with Vancouver before the deadline, but he’s also unlikely to be moved. Similarly, Pius Suter, another pending UFA, is expected to stay put and will be in the Canucks’ lineup on Wednesday against Anaheim.
Vancouver’s star center Elias Pettersson, who has struggled this season, stated on Tuesday that he won’t “dwell” on his disappointing performance but will focus on finishing the final 22 games strong. He, too, is not expected to be traded.
Meanwhile, the New Jersey Devils continue their downward spiral. Already missing Jack Hughes due to injury, they lost top defenseman Dougie Hamilton in the first period against Dallas on Tuesday. To make matters worse, they suffered a 4-3 loss as Thomas Harley netted the game-winner for the Stars with just five seconds left in regulation.
In trade rumors, Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported that the Islanders have engaged in serious discussions, likely involving veteran forwards Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri. The Los Angeles Kings are reportedly highly interested in Palmieri.
Both Nelson and Palmieri were in the lineup Tuesday when the Islanders pulled off a surprising 2-1 win over the League-leading Winnipeg Jets, handing them their third straight loss.
Elsewhere in the NHL, Victor Hedman and Jake Guentzel each tallied two goals and an assist to propel the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 6-2 victory over Columbus, snapping the Blue Jackets’ four-game winning streak.
Former Rangers forward Mats Zuccarello contributed a goal and an assist to help the Minnesota Wild secure a 4-3 win over the Kraken.
Finally, Ryan Lindgren made his debut with the Colorado Avalanche after his trade from the Rangers and played a key role in their 4-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins.
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