How the NHL trade deadline helped the Rangers

Blockbuster trades are not always necessary for a team to help themselves at the NHL trade deadline, and few knew that better than the New York Rangers, who lead the Metropolitan Division with 84 points. New York made most of their moves on March 8th, but they also acquired Alex Wennberg from the Seattle Kraken two days before the deadline in what was a sound move.

Wennberg came at the expense of a 2024 second-round pick and a conditional fourth-rounder for 2025, but the Rangers needed depth at center, and they got it. This move makes a team that has been outstanding this season even better, especially on the lower lines. 

Wennberg wasn’t the only depth piece general manager Chris Drury brought in, as he also traded a conditional fourth-rounder in 2026 for Jack Roslovic. Like Wennberg, he won’t score often, but Roslovic will bring experience and a two-way approach to the lower lines. 

Rangers acquired the forward depth they needed at NHL trade deadline

New York also made some under-the-radar moves, one of which included defenseman Chad Ruhwedel, who won a Stanley Cup during his days with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The stay-at-home blueliner only cost a 2027 fourth-round pick, and he will bring a simple game to New York, but that’s all one of the NHL’s best teams needs. 

They also flipped Turner Elson to the Minnesota Wild for Nic Petan, which gives the Rangers a good potential call-up should injuries strike at the worst time. Petan has been a staple on the AHL’s Iowa Wild and has bounced back and forth between the NHL and AHL over the years. 

Solid, yet unspectacular is the best phrase to describe how the New York Rangers fared at the trade deadline, but Drury only needed to improve depth, and he accomplished that mission. He didn’t give up any steep prices for any of the acquisitions, and the moves also turned the Rangers into arguably the NHL’s most complete team. 

(Trade information provided by Cap-Friendly)