The New York Rangers Retool is officially here. From Artemi Panarin to Alexis Lafrenière, discover which big names are on the trade block as Chris Drury shakes up the roster before the March deadline.
The “Breadman” era in New York is nearing its end, and he might not be the only one leaving. Following Chris Drury’s public admission that the team needs a fresh start, the New York Rangers Retool has become the biggest storyline in hockey. It’s no longer a question of if the roster will change, but who will be the first to go.
Quick Look: Top Rangers Trade Candidates
| Player | Contract Status | Trade Obstacle |
| Artemi Panarin | Pending UFA (July 2026) | Full No-Move Clause |
| Vincent Trocheck | Signed thru 2029 | 12-Team No-Trade List |
| Alexis Lafrenière | Signed thru 2032 | Low Current Market Value |
| Carson Soucy | Pending UFA (July 2026) | None (Very moveable) |
| Braden Schneider | RFA (End of Season) | Arbitration Rights |
The Artemi Panarin Situation: A Legend on the Move?
The cornerstone of the New York Rangers Retool is undoubtedly the decision regarding Artemi Panarin. After Drury informed the star winger that no extension would be offered, the clock started ticking. As a pending free agent, Panarin is the most valuable asset the Rangers have, but his full no-move clause means he picks the destination.
Drury is expected to work closely with Panarin’s camp to find a Stanley Cup contender that fits his style. While fans will be sad to see him go, moving Panarin is the quickest way to land a “mini-haul” of draft picks and prospects to fuel the New York Rangers Retool.
Is it Time to Move on from Alexis Lafrenière?
Perhaps the most controversial part of the New York Rangers Retool involves former first-overall pick Alexis Lafrenière. Despite flashes of brilliance—like his three-assist performance at the Winter Classic—consistency has remained an issue. With his modified no-trade clause looming in a few years, Drury might decide to “pounce” on a legitimate offer now.
Trading a young talent like Lafrenière would be a massive signal that the team is changing its DNA. If the right package comes along, moving him could provide the Rangers with the high-speed, high-tenacity players Drury mentioned in his letter to the fans.
Vincent Trocheck and the Center Market
Centers are always in high demand during a trade deadline, which makes Vincent Trocheck a prime candidate for the New York Rangers Retool. While the team is already thin down the middle, Trocheck’s 12-team no-trade list makes him easier to move than someone like Mika Zibanejad.
Contenders looking for a battle-tested second-line center will be calling Drury frequently. While losing Trocheck would hurt the current lineup, the return could be exactly what the organization needs to bridge the gap to their next window of contention.
Defensive Depth: Soucy and Schneider
On the back end, the New York Rangers Retool will likely involve moving Carson Soucy. In the final year of his deal with a manageable $3.25 million cap hit, he is a perfect “stay-at-home” rental for a playoff-bound team. Since the Rangers originally gave up a third-round pick for him, they’ll be looking to recoup that value or more.
Braden Schneider is another name to watch. While he’s a solid third-pair defenseman, he hasn’t quite seized a top-four role even with Adam Fox out. As he heads toward restricted free agency with arbitration rights, Drury may prefer to move him now rather than deal with a difficult contract negotiation in the summer.
Fresh Starts for Prospects like Brennan Othmann
Finally, the New York Rangers Retool might include moving younger assets who haven’t quite clicked in New York. Brennan Othmann, the 2021 first-round pick, is the primary candidate here. After struggling to translate his game to the NHL level over 33 games, many insiders believe he simply needs a fresh start in a new system to reach his full potential.
Conclusion
The New York Rangers Retool isn’t just a plan for the future—it’s a high-stakes fire sale happening in real-time. By putting veterans like Panarin and Trocheck on the table alongside underperforming young stars like Lafrenière, Chris Drury is making it clear that no one is safe. The next few weeks leading up to the March 6 deadline will define the franchise for the next decade. For Rangers fans, the upcoming changes might be painful, but they are the necessary first steps toward bringing a championship back to the Garden.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is it called a “retool” instead of a rebuild?
A New York Rangers Retool implies the team intends to stay competitive by keeping their elite core (like Fox and Shesterkin) while swapping out middle-roster pieces. A rebuild would mean trading everyone and starting from scratch.
2. Can Artemi Panarin refuse a trade?
Yes. Because he has a full “No-Move Clause” (NMC), he can reject any trade Drury proposes. He essentially has the power to choose his next team.
3. What is the return expectation for Vincent Trocheck?
Given the high demand for centers, the Rangers would likely look for a first-round pick or a “top-tier” prospect in exchange for Trocheck.
4. Will the Rangers trade Igor Shesterkin?
Currently, Shesterkin is considered part of the core the New York Rangers Retool is being built around. Unless an astronomical offer comes in, he is expected to stay.
5. When is the NHL Trade Deadline in 2026?
The deadline is March 6, 2026. Most of the major moves associated with the New York Rangers Retool will likely occur in the final 48 hours leading up to this date.
