NHL Trade Rumors: Everything you need to know about the current Rangers trade rumors and reports

Ever since Chris Drury sent out Letter 2.0, the Rangers rumor mill has been spinning like Diplo’s turntables right before the drop hits. The NHL “insiders” have been working overtime — reporting, citing sources, and flat‑out guessing where the Rangers’ trade chips might land.

So, let’s weed through the minutia of who’s saying what and where our soon‑to‑be former Blueshirts might end up. There’s still plenty of time between now and the March 6 trade deadline. Take all of these rumors with the biggest grain of salt imaginable. None of this information has been properly corroborated or vetted — but it’s fun to speculate.

Let’s start with the two most obvious and likely candidates to be moved.

Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck

The Breadman is rumored to be drawing interest from the Avalanche, Hurricanes, Capitals, Panthers, Wild, Red Wings, and Stars — all of which make perfect sense for him. But because of his no‑move clause, the power sits entirely with him and his agent. It would be smart for Drury to let Panarin’s agent, Paul Theofanous, handle the early contract groundwork with potential suitors. That gives the Rangers leverage and maximizes the return for their Russian superstar.

Panarin would give any of those teams a massive boost in their chase for the Cup. As a Rangers fan, I’d prefer he land in the Western Conference — Colorado, Minnesota or Dallas — so we don’t have to watch him torch us four times a year and remind everyone how badly this organization failed him. Ultimately, whichever team can strike the best contract deal with his camp and offer the Rangers the strongest return should be the destination. Trading the Breadman is all about maximizing value.

Vincent Trocheck is drawing interest from Minnesota, Carolina, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Winnipeg. It’s hard to know which of these teams are on his limited no‑trade list, but I’d bet Winnipeg is on there, so we can probably cross them off immediately.

Carson Soucy and Braden Schneider

Let’s toss both of these defensemen into the same trade‑bait pile. Soucy, set to hit the market as a UFA on July 1, and Schneider, a pending RFA this summer, have both found their names circulating in the rumor mill.

So far, the only team linked to Schneider is the San Jose Sharks, who are reportedly kicking the tires. This would be a bullseye move for GM Mike Grier — adding a young core piece who’s NHL‑ready and capable of stepping right into their top four.

But not long ago, Schneider was considered an untouchable. If Grier wants him, he’ll need to pay up.

As for Soucy, teams are always desperate for depth defensemen at the deadline, and Drury could easily squeeze out a respectable return for a player in his tier.

Alexis Lafrenière

This would be the biggest gut punch. He was supposed to be the chosen one — the No. 1 pick in 2020, the franchise cornerstone. Instead, his inconsistent play has turned him into more of a trade chip than a building block.

Laffy is in year one of a seven‑year deal worth $7.45 million annually. He has no protection for the first two years, meaning its open season on the former top pick. In my opinion, this trade should only happen if Drury gets an offer he simply can’t refuse.

There’s been past interest from Vancouver and the Ottawa Senators. Honestly, a Canadian team might be the best environment for him. They tend to have more patience — and more pride — in developing their own up there in the Great White North. Maybe that’s what he needs.

Final Thoughts

These names — and potentially more — are all in play. Drury needs to take a page out of Jeff Gorton’s book and fleece as many GMs as possible. Forget hockey politics. Forget keeping players out of your conference or division. Just get the best return for every asset you move.

Because you better believe the next letter coming out of Chris Drury’s office will be a letter of resignation if this “retool” doesn’t break his way.