The New York Rangers have a very eventful summer ahead of them, and it is going to be hectic, to say the least. With the fifth-overall pick, there is a chance that the next face of this franchise could be drafted later this month, and they have some money to throw around in this so-so free agency class.
Here are three things that they can do to deem this summer as a successful one once the 2026-27 season begins in October.
Trade Vincent Trocheck
If Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury has one thing at the top of his list this summer, it is to right a wrong that should have been done at the trade deadline. Center Vincent Trocheck has to be dealt this summer.
It would be nice to be able to retain No. 16 for the next phase of this franchise, but it is not the right time. At 33 years old, he can still compete at a very high level, but that could change very soon. Plus, if the Rangers are leaning toward relying on the youth, he could be replaced by a younger and better version of himself.
Draft best available defenseman at No. 5
This upcoming draft is going to be a special one, and in particular, on the defensive side. Carson Carels, Chase Reid, and Keaton Verhoeff are all projected to go in the top five, and the Rangers pick at that spot. They are going to get the worst of the three, most likely, but it will still be a solid pick regardless.
With a rich history of messing up top-draft picks, making this right is a top priority. This defense needs to solidify its defensive core, and it will get easier with a new cornerstone piece via the Draft.
Do not touch this free agency class, besides one player
There is one player that really sticks out in this upcoming free agency period, and the rest might not be worth it for the Rangers to try and invest in. That player is Bobby McMann of Seattle, and it only works for the right price. And, if Trocheck is moved to help supplement other weak areas, they are going to need some forward depth.
He's coming off a 46 points season split between Toronto and Seattle, and ended his season with 10 goals and 14 points in 18 games. The Rangers like to have flexibility with their forward moving them between center and wing, and McMann could be an underrated fit in that regard even though he's mostly a winger.
When considering the current class of players, it isn't hard to come to the conclusion that it is better to wait until after the 2026-27 season to start to splurge on free agent talent in a few weeks. Especially if Connor McDavid is going into his final chance with Edmonton, as his very team-friendly contract will expire after next season. Save up and spend big, Drury.
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