3 Paths Forward for the Struggling New York Rangers

As the holiday trade freeze approaches, the New York Rangers find themselves in a downward spiral. Following the trade of captain Jacob Trouba and their continued poor performance, the Rangers face difficult decisions. Here are three possible courses of action to stop the bleeding and set a new direction for the team.

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First Way Forward for the Rangers: Recommit to Youth Development

The Rangers’ veterans have underperformed, and young players like Will Cuylle and Brett Berard have shown promise. By giving the youngsters more ice time, head coach Peter Laviolette can inject energy and speed into the lineup while potentially improving results. It would also allow management to evaluate which prospects have a long-term future with the club.

If this strategy works, it may address the Rangers’ depth issues without costly trades. However, it would require patience, as growing pains are inevitable. The focus would shift toward development over immediate contention, signaling a minor reset for the team.

Second Way Forward for the Rangers: Trade Chris Kreider and Kaapo Kakko

With Chris Kreider’s declining value and Kaapo Kakko’s inconsistent production, now might be the time to move both players. While Kreider’s $6.5 million cap hit and age make him difficult to trade, teams seeking playoff experience would still ask. Kaapo Kakko, on the other hand, has more upside and could attract interest for a younger, rugged player like Jordan Greenway or a package involving draft picks.

By parting with Kreider and Kakko, the Rangers could bring in fresh assets or cap flexibility. This would give the front office room to reshape the roster and address its weaknesses. The risk, however, is trading Kakko too early, only to see him thrive elsewhere—a familiar regret for rebuilding teams.

Third Way Forward for the Rangers: Stay the Course and Wait for Internal Solutions

While trading for short-term help seems tempting, it may not address the Rangers’ deeper issues. As Adam Proteau of The Hockey News argues, the biggest solutions must come from within. The Rangers could avoid knee-jerk trades and instead lean on their leadership group, such as Mika Zibanejad and Igor Shesterkin, to steer the team back on track.

If the Rangers take this approach, it means trusting Laviolette to get more from his current lineup and hoping key players rebound. This strategy risks further slipping in the standings but avoids asset mismanagement and unnecessary trades for marginal gains.

What’s Next for the Rangers?

The Rangers are at a crossroads, and the coming weeks will reveal their direction. Will they embrace youth, shake up the roster, or stay the course? Whatever they decide, decisive action is required to stabilize the team. With the trade freeze looming, the pressure is on for management to make moves—or trust the group they have—to save the season.

Related: Rangers Asking Teams to Pitch Trade Ideas, “Open for Business”