Rangers should pivot from Brady Tkachuk buzz to a smarter Vegas trade target

All the noise surrounding the potential Brady Tkachuk sweepstakes is understandable, but it may not be a move that makes sense for Chris Drury for a number of reasons. The cost and timing come into play - and realistically, he isn’t worth mortgaging the future for. Given the uncertainty around the Rangers’ competitive window, there’s another option quietly sitting in plain sight who could become available this summer.

The Vegas Golden Knights are heading into a cap crunch, even with the ceiling expected to rise to roughly $104 million. With the extension given to Jack Eichel and several depth players hitting unrestricted free agency, Vegas is walking a tightrope to ice a full team next season. That’s where Drury can step in and take advantage of a delicate situation.

Pavel Dorofeyev Extension

One of the top priorities for Kelly McCrimmon this offseason will be locking up sniper Pavel Dorofeyev. The young Russian winger has emerged as a legitimate scoring threat, putting up back-to-back 30+-goal seasons thanks to a lethal release. He’s carried that momentum into the playoffs as well, including a hat trick in Game 5 of the opening round. Players like that don’t hit the market, and Vegas knows it.

With Dorofeyev due for a raise and multiple roster spots to fill, something has to give. That’s where the Rangers can find an opening and where Drury should be zeroing in on Ivan Barbashev.

Barbashev fits Mike Sullivan's system

For all the uncertainty around the Rangers’ timeline, the Eastern Conference remains wide open. We saw real signs of life from this group down the stretch of the 2025–26 season, and there’s a case to be made that New York can take a step forward next year without swinging for the fences.

He brings a direct, north-south style that aligns with what Mike Sullivan is trying to establish. He’s the kind of player who can slide in next to J.T. Miller on the second line and immediately make that unit harder to play against. Instead of committing important assets and cap space for Tkachuk, Barbashev likely comes at a significantly lower cost due to Vegas’ situation.

Not just fit, but flexibility

Barbashev has two years remaining on his deal at a $5 million AAV, making him an easy contract to work with. He’s been a consistent producer, hovering in the 50–60 point range over the past few seasons, and brings a physical edge that shows up every night. He’s built for playoff hockey, a true 16-game player. Even when he’s not on the scoresheet, he’s impacting the game with his physicality and forechecking. And this season, he’s taken another step offensively, flirting with point-per-game production in the playoffs.

More importantly, he fits both timelines the Rangers are juggling. If New York is in the mix, he’s a legitimate piece for a playoff push. If things go sideways again, he becomes a highly valuable trade chip at the 2027 deadline.

Either way, there’s no downside. Drury doesn’t need to force a blockbuster to improve this team. Sometimes the smartest move is the one that gives you options—and Ivan Barbashev checks every box.

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