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

After another brutal loss and an embarrassing performance, the New York Rangers appear to be embracing a full-scale roster shake-up. As their season continues to spiral, GM Chris Drury is running out of options. But to make serious changes, which involve more than just trading former captain Jacob Trouba, the Rangers have now reportedly told teams to come forward with any and all trade ideas.

During Saturday Headlines, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the Rangers are “open for business.” He adds that outside of some untouchables like Igor Shesterkin, “I think they’re willing to consider all options. They want to hear ideas people have, and they’re listening to what could be out there for them.”

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What ideas the Rangers are open to considering is not entirely clear, but that they are telling teams to come to them with practically any idea means it’s all on the table. The team has already made forwards Chris Kreider and Kaapo Kakko available. Defenseman Ryan Lindgren and veteran Reilly Smith, both in the final years of their contracts, could also be key players they want to discuss.

Friedman hints that a 5–1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday — the second time the team was booed off the ice by their home fans — marked their ninth defeat in the past 12 games. This has to be a wakeup call for Drury and management, with a clear understanding that something is not right inside that locker room.

Head coach Peter Laviolette called the team’s performance “frustrating and disappointing” after falling behind 5-0 within the first 25 minutes.

Are the Rangers Giving Up On or Trying to Save The Season?

With big names potentially on the move, the Rangers’ strategy could set the tone for a busy trade deadline. For fans, the question looms: Is this the reset New York needs, or just another misstep in a frustrating season?

Trade too many pieces and the team is rebuilding. Trade the right ones and the club could turn around their fortunes and start winning games again. The problem with letting teams come and make any trade pitches they want is that it’s an open door to pitch one-sided deals that don’t help the Rangers. Drury can always say no, but how many losses can pile up before he makes a deal just to make a deal?

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