Friedman Confirms Rangers Looking to Take “Big Swing”

On the latest episode of 32 Thoughts the Podcast released this morning, Elliotte Friedman mentioned that he believes the New York Rangers are looking to take a “big swing.” As mentioned in a previous post by Old Prof, recent moves by the Rangers were labeled “deck clearing” moves. What comes next will be a fascinating storyline to watch.

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The Rangers have been at the center of a lot of drama over the past few weeks. It all started with the trade of their former captain, Jacob Trouba. The team seemed to force his hand, giving him an ultimatum: decide on a destination or face being waived. That situation alone raised eyebrows.

Then came the Kaapo Kakko controversy. After being a healthy scratch, Kakko spoke to the media, clarifying his frustrations. It didn’t take long for the Rangers to make a move, sending him to the Seattle Kraken. The organization denied that Kakko’s public comments were tied to his trade. It’s hard to believe it was just a coincidence.

It’s been a chaotic stretch for the organization, and these moves have left fans wondering what’s next. Change might be necessary, but at what cost?

What Will be The Rangers’ “Big Swing”?

Now it appears that GM Chris Drury is aiming for a “reset” to get his club back into the playoffs.

Friedman shares his thoughts on the entire situation:

“I think overall, they’re looking to take a big swing at something—a very big swing. And, you know, one of the shocking things is that it looks almost impossible for them to get into the playoffs through their division.”

So, who or what does this big swing involve? And who could be leaving the organization?

Only time will tell. There’s speculation that Chris Drury could consider moving Chris Kreider or another prominent player in a bid to shake things up. However, Friedman didn’t name any specific teams as potential trade partners for the Rangers, leaving fans to wonder who might be in the mix.

Every hockey fan knows the league is better when the Rangers are in the playoffs. It’s good for the NHL and makes the postseason that much more exciting. As things stand, though, the Rangers’ best shot at making it in seems to be through the Eastern Conference wildcard. Without an incredible run, cracking the Metro Division’s top spots looks like a long shot.

If the Rangers plan to make a bold move, it could reshape the team and their playoff hopes. For now, it’s a waiting game to see what unfolds.

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