The winds of change continue to blow through the New York Rangers organization has several key players from this year's roster are being rumored as trade bait as the team continues to evaluate themselves.![New York Rangers Chris Krieder and Mika Zibanejad #nhl #rangers]()
It's been revealed that players like K'Andre Miller, Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad are rumored to be available for trade as the team would like to give the fans a different look.
Chris Drury has busy summer ahead for next season
General manager Chris Drury had begun his changes to the roster earlier last year when he moved out players like Barclay Goodrow, Jake Trouba, Kaapo Kakko and Ryan Lindgren.
The Rangers did receive some in return for these moves, but it was unable to move the needle to turn their season around and attempt to get back into the playoff fight.
After the season was over, the Rangers made a change behind the bench where they had fired former head coach Peter Laviolette and re-hired former Rangers assistant coach and head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins Mike Sullivan.
As rumors continue to swirl, bigger names including former 1st overall pick Alexis Lafreniere and Rangers superstar Artemi Panarin are also mentioned as players potentially on the move as Panarin has one year remaining on his contract while Lafrenière will begin his new contract of seven years and over $50 million.
The team has a desire to become more aggressive on their forecheck, be a heavier and more physical team along with strong team defence which seems to be the recipe to win the Stanley Cup especially as the Florida Panthers are now in their third Stanley Cup finals in three years.
Rangers preparing for the draft and free agency
There's a strong possibility that the Rangers will use players like Miller, Krieder and Zibanejad as potential trade bait as the team may attempt to acquire more draft picks and players who can help them now.
The team will also be ready to move money out and open their cap space especially if they want to target players like the Toronto Maple Leafs star winger Mitch Marner or Brock Boeser.
It will be a fascinating time for Rangers fans and the organization as the team has reached a crossroads and needs to decide on what direction they want to go now that they have signed key players like Igor Shesterkin to an eight-year deal.
The NHL draft will begin on June 27th and NHL free agency will take place on July 1st at 12:00 PM eastern.
