Yesterday TSN hockey insider Pierre Lebrun revealed that the New York Rangers chose to part ways with their 2025 first round pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins for potential trade bait.![New York Rangers Chris Drury #nhl #rangers]()
Much speculation has been swirling around the Rangers organization as to which choice they would make whether to keep their first rounder in 2025 or send it to the Penguins and keep their 2026 first rounder.
Lebrun thinks Rangers feel 2026 first round pick more valuable
LeBrun explained that the New York Rangers are estimating that they will be in playoff contention next year after several changes will be made to the roster during the offseason.
The team feels that owning their 2026 first round pick will be more valuable at the NHL trade deadline next March especially if the team is contending and would like to add two their roster.
Many NHL pundits have made it known that the 2025 entry draft will not be as strong or as deep as other drafts in the past and many teams have decided to part ways with their first-round picks to get better for this past playoff run.
It's been noted that the 2026 NHL draft will be far better and more talented players available deeper into the first round which would give the Rangers more leverage when it comes to adding a first round in a trade.
Drury has not spoken since his decision
Since making his decision, Rangers general manager Chris Drury has not spoken about his decision and it's likely due to the preparation needed and meetings being held for the NHL Entry Draft which is set to begin on Friday June 27th.
The Rangers will now have to wait till Round two and pick #43 to begin their draft selections but many trades can occur during the draft which could see the Rangers come back into the first round depending on the offer.
It remains to be seen on how jury will use the draft as he currently owns 8 draft picks through 7 rounds in 2025.
