With the NHL Draft arriving Friday, the New York Rangers are staring down a summer loaded with uncertainty. Chris Drury has officially labeled the team as being in a “re‑tool,” but what does that actually mean? Is it just a fan‑friendly synonym for “rebuild”? A philosophical shift in how they plan to build a winner? Or is it GM‑speak designed to lower expectations — a safety net if the team struggles, and a bonus if they overperform?
Whatever the intent, Drury has a franchise to run, a fan base to calm, a veteran core to manage, and an owner in James Dolan who just watched his MSG roommates, the Knicks, win an NBA title. That alone could accelerate the timeline whether Drury likes it or not.
The Rangers have a long to do list, and it starts with the 5th and 26th overall picks in a stacked draft. If Drury is smart, he won’t move the 5th overall pick. Let the board fall. Let the talent come to you.
According to beat reporter Vince Mercogliano, the Rangers are leaning toward Alberts Šmits at No. 5 — a player who should absolutely be available there. And the Rangers are perfectly positioned to grab a premier defense prospect, whether it’s Šmits, Carson Carels, or Keaton Verhoeff.
Šmits is especially intriguing. A few weeks ago, he won the E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence, given annually to the draft prospect who best embodies character, competitiveness, and athleticism. At 6'3" and 209 pounds, the 18‑year‑old defenseman has already been playing against men in Germany’s top pro league. Scouts view him as the most NHL‑ready blueliner in the class — which naturally makes Drury’s ears perk up. If he decides to take Šmits at #5, then there’s a real chance Šmits could push for an opening‑night roster spot.
Šmits himself isn’t shy about what sets him apart:
“I don't want to sound cocky here, but I'm the only one playing in a men's league right now… I’ve experienced a little bit more than them.”
And as I’m writing this article, I scroll through Instagram and — of course — Alberts Šmits is posting photos of himself sightseeing in New York. Coincidence? Maybe. Or maybe he’s getting an early look at the city he expects to call home by Friday night.
Either way, it’s an eyebrow‑raiser. And it’s worth keeping an eye on.
Beyond the draft, the Vincent Trocheck situation continues to hover. His switch to super‑agent Pat Brisson signals he wants this resolved quickly. Trocheck deserves clarity heading into next season, and nearly every semi‑contender seems to be kicking the tires. With Dylan Larkin also entering the trade rumor mill, their values may end up tied together.
Then there’s the Mathew Knies chatter. Darren Dreger reports that Toronto is listening on the 23‑year‑old power forward, with the Rangers among the interested teams. This could be insider noise — the Rangers get thrown into every rumor for clicks — but if there’s truth to it, Knies would check a lot of boxes: younger, productive (66 points last season), and built for the top six.
But the price won’t be cheap. Multiple firsts, a top prospect, or a high‑end defenseman would be the starting point. Braden Schneider’s name has already surfaced as possible trade chip in general. The Rangers do have an extra first‑rounder and a promising group of young forwards, but this would be a significant swing.
Which brings us back to the core issue: Drury needs a clear, coherent plan. No half‑measures. No half‑pregnant approach to relevance. The worst thing he can do is try to please everyone — because that guarantees he pleases no one.
The hope around Rangers-town is that Drury knows where he’s taking this team and how to get there. Because if he doesn’t, we’re headed right back to square one: a rudderless ship drifting out of playoff contention.
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