The New York Rangers are reportedly considering a major roster shake-up this summer, with a trio of superstar forwards possibly on the move.
Those three would be wingers Artemi Panarin and Chris Kreider, as well as center Mika Zibanejad.
According to The Athletic’s Arthur Staple, recapping the Rangers trade deadline moves and what might be next for the New York-based franchise, general manager Chris Drury could attempt a full core shake-up as soon as next summer.
“For any sort of flexibility, the campaign Drury began last June with the waiving of Barclay Goodrow has to continue,” Staple wrote. “It means renewing that November text to see if anyone wants Kreider…
”It means seeing if Zibanejad would be willing to waive his no-move clause…
”It might even mean seeing if Panarin would waive his no-trade to go elsewhere.”
New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin (10) and center Mika Zibanejad (93) talk to one another during a stoppage of play.
Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Panarin, set to enter the final season of his seven-year, $81.5 million contract, carries an $11.64 million cap hit, and Kreider has two years remaining on his seven-year, 45.5 million contract, carrying a $6.5 million cap hit.
Meanwhile, Zibanejad’s $8.5 million-per-season contract runs through 2029–30, although moving him could prove harder considering his deal includes a full no-move clause.
New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) skates against during an NHL game.
Danny Wild-Imagn Images
The Rangers, currently outside the playoff picture and sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference wild-card race, have already made significant changes to their roster.
They traded former captain Jacob Trouba, longtime center Filip Chytil, and former No. 2 overall pick Kaapo Kakko ahead of the deadline.
Despite those moves, they remain in a tight race for a wild-card spot as only two points separate them from the final postseason berth, but it's not clear if they will have enough to avoid missing the playoffs for the first time since 2021.
