With one of the longest sagas of the New York Rangers over after Kaapo Kakko was traded to the Seattle Kraken, we must turn our heads to the future. New York is still in a tailspin, and while we can be hopeful some of the new additions will help pull the iconic organization out of its struggles, one question has been on my mind since the news of the Kakko trade. Who is the next member of the organization to go out the door?
According to reports, Rangers owner James Dolan has complete confidence in Chris Drury and supports his memo with what he's trying to do. That sounds like Drury is safe in his job for now. Peter Laviolette still holds the admiration and respect of the players, meaning that the coaching staff probably remains the same for the time being. So it comes down to the players. Which player is the next one to be moved by Chris Drury?
Ryan Lindgren was the first name that came to my mind. As a pending unrestricted free agent, a decision has to be made on his future. If the Rangers don't view him as a piece of the long-term puzzle, moving him before the deadline comes to pass makes more sense than losing him for nothing in the summer. The unrestricted free-agent status will bite the Rangers again if they retain players on expiring deals past the trade deadline.
Jonathan Quick was another name that came to mind. With the youth bursting at the seams to get into this Rangers lineup, Dylan Garand could be the backup to Igor moving forward. Garand backstopped the Canadian team to the gold medal at the World Juniors a few years ago, and the Rangers would do well to make room for him on the roster. With Shesterkin's expensive extension, Quick would need to be the one to make way.
Of course, the newly acquired Urho Vaakanainen and Will Borgen are both on expiring deals and could be sent out the door if Chris Drury feels it's better value to move on from the pending UFAs rather than lose them for nothing come springtime. After the roster freeze, we'll see the answer to this question. New York has to continue making moves, or they'll stagnate and find themselves stuck in no man's land.