The New York Rangers are enjoying life on the golf course, awaiting their new potential coach and getting themselves ready for next season by enjoying these amazing games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. But, there is one underlying truth that comes with every offseason, and that is the chance of some players not coming back to their teams once the summer comes to a close.
if the Rangers want to rid this stink of the 2024-25 season off of them, and become a serious team once again, there are three players that jump to mind that should be removed from the 2025-26 team.
Matt Rempe
It is finally time to say goodbye to everyone's favorite enforcer. He did make some strides in 2024-25, and graded a bit better than anyone would have expected. And, the Rangers do need to retain a big, tall grinder that will fight and aggravate the opposing team whenever required. But Rempe cannot be that guy anymore.
There were several times this season that Rempe tried to make a big play, a big hit, and crossed the line enough to hinder the Rangers chances of winning. He tried to be a difference maker with his body, which is the most important part of his game, and he failed to do it in a way that would help his team. As a pending free agent this summer, I am sure that 31 other teams would jump at the chance of getting Rempe, but the Rangers need this expieriment to end.
Zac Jones
On the defensive side of the Rangers roster, there is a lot of uncertainity. There is a player who should see himself being named the next captain in Adam Fox, someone who stepped into a big-time role when Fox was injured in K'Andre Miller, and a newcomer who held his own with his new team in Will. Borgen.
That leaves some uncertainty, like Zac Jones, with a few other D-men not mentioned. As a pending free agent, the 24-year-old defenseman might not return in 2025-26. There isn't a place for him to fit into the lineup as a full-time player, and that's the truth. As things go on, there is a good chance that Jones will leave the Rangers alone and sign with another team.
Chris Kreider
This one is going to sting the most. For the Rangers to become relevant again, they must do it without their longest-tenured member, Chris Kreider, who was part of the Stanley Cup final team from 2013-14 against the Los Angeles Kings. Chris Kreider must be moved in the summer. It is time.
After 883 games, it is time to move Kreider away from the only thing he has ever known: the Rangers. This team needs to sign some big pieces this offseason, and they can certainly use his $6.5 million salary cap hit this upcoming season. It is a painful removal, but a necessary one for the future of this franchise. General Manager Chris Drury has already been very open about moving Kreider, and now he should come through with his threat.