How the NHL Holiday Roster Freeze Impacts the New York Rangers

A day has passed without a move from the New York Rangers front office—no roster moves, call-ups, or trades. Why? Well, Rangers fans, it's not because the front office has gone into hibernation; it's the annual NHL Holiday Roster Freeze.

From Dec. 19 at 11:59 p.m. EST time to Dec. 28 at 12:01 a.m. EST, NHL teams hit pause on any player movement. It includes trades, waivers, and demotions, as the league allows players and staff to enjoy the holidays with their families without worrying about a sudden change of address. And no, the freeze isn't some exclusive deal cooked up by the Rangers to stop those Jimmy Vesey trade rumors.

Speaking of Vesey, the veteran winger's name is reportedly being shopped, as the GM Chris Drury continues to reshape the roster. Meanwhile, rumors are swirling around defenseman Ryan Lindgren, with the Tampa Bay Lightning allegedly interested in his services after losing defenseman and offseason acquisition Janis Moster for 8-10 weeks.

The Rangers have already traded 2019 second-overall pick Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken, and captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks. It's been a flurry of drama since Drury sent his "Open for Business" memo on November 24th, but we can take a deep breath thanks to the freeze.

This year, the freeze couldn't come at a more awkward time for the Blueshirts, as they can't make a corresponding move for forward Matt Rempe. Rempe is likely facing a suspension after his devastating hit on Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen during Friday's gritty 3-1 road victory over Dallas. Rempe was ejected with a game misconduct and a five-minute major, leaving the Rangers shorthanded for nearly 17 minutes across seven consecutive Stars power plays.

It wasn't pretty, but the Rangers' penalty kill held firm, led by newly extended $92 million man Igor Shesterkin, who made an astonishing 40 saves—21 of them while shorthanded and a 5.6 gaols saved above expected. Artemi Panarin even intervened to serve Rempe's penalty as the Blueshirts fended off Dallas' relentless attack.

Reilly Smith's breakaway goal opened the scoring, Vincent Trocheck's snipe gave the Rangers a 2-1 lead they never relinquished, and Chris Kreider iced the game with an empty-netter.

As for Rempe, it's a tough break. Before the hit, he had a standout performance, drawing three penalties in the second period alone and delivering punishing clean hits. But his reckless play has put the team in a bind. With a history of ejections—he's been booted from 18% of his 22 NHL games—Rempe now faces an in-person hearing with the Department of Player Safety, which means a suspension of five games or more is on the table. Not only will the Rangers lose his physical presence, but his wallet might also feel the sting.

So, for now, the Blueshirts and their fans have to freeze along with the rest of the league, waiting for Dec. 28 when the roster shuffle can resume. Until then, enjoy the holidays, stay warm, and enjoy Sunday's MSG noon tilt against the Carolina Hurricanes and Monday's matinee across the Hudson at the New Jersey Devils. The halt may not be exclusive to the Rangers, but if there's one thing we know, nothing stays frozen for long in the NHL.