During a tough stretch of six losses in seven games, the New York Rangers are actively seeking trade options to tackle their struggles. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that Rangers GM Chris Drury has initiated talks with several teams, including the Ottawa Senators, as he considers possible roster changes.
Friedman shared this information both in his 32 Thoughts column and during a Thursday interview with the NHL Network.
Drury Talking to Several Different Teams about Trade Values
According to Friedman, Drury’s openness to trade discussions involving notable players like Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba is just the beginning. The Rangers’ GM is evaluating all options, exploring the market to gauge the overall value of most players on the roster—not just Trouba and Kreider—as he looks to make impactful moves.
Despite a solid 12-4-1 start, Friedman notes that Drury identified underlying issues early in the season. Analytics exposed flaws in the Rangers’ defensive structure and a habit of allowing high-quality scoring opportunities, which prompted Drury to take action.
While the team has often relied on high-scoring games or strong goaltending to compensate, their overall defensive play ranks among the worst in the NHL. Drury has recognized that this approach is unsustainable and has reached a point where changes are necessary.
The Senators Are Among the Interested Teams Talking to the Rangers
In contrast to the Rangers, who have been transparent about their intentions to explore trades, Ottawa is reportedly taking a more cautious approach. Nevertheless, discussions between the teams are still ongoing.
The Senators understand that trade protection clauses add complexity to potential deals. They, like many teams, want to avoid a situation where publicized interest leads to Rangers players refusing to waive their clauses, derailing any trade negotiations.
Trouba’s limited trade flexibility and possible unwillingness to relocate may discourage potential suitors, while Kreider’s value has sparked questions about whether trading him aligns with the Rangers’ objectives. According to Friedman, many teams are puzzled as to why the Rangers are even contemplating a move involving Kreider.
As the Rangers work to construct a roster built for postseason success, it’s evident that Drury is actively engaging in trade discussions. However, the specifics of who he’s negotiating with and which players are drawing significant interest remain unclear.
