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Mike Zibanejad, Vincent Trocheck, Chris Kreider, and Artemi Panarin celebrate after Trocheck’s first period goal during game four of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs between the New York Rangers and Washington Capitals (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

New York Rangers’ Untouchables for the 2025 Trade Deadline

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By Anthony Russo | Last updated Mar 5, 2025 9:45 AM ET

It’s been a disappointing 2024-25 for the New York Rangers that will more likely than not result in missing the postseason. Ahead of the March 7 trade deadline, general manager and president Chris Drury must make some tough decisions.

In fact, the 48-year-old has already agreed to move their biggest trade piece that was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA), Ryan Lindgren. Likewise, the selling will continue with Reilly Smith probably one of the next that will be on the move. Aside from the players on the roster who are scheduled to become UFAs in July, the front office may move someone else with term on their contracts like Chris Kreider.

However, there are a few players that Drury shouldn’t consider moving. Here is a list that we believe should be untouchable at the deadline.

Igor Shesterkin

There probably shouldn’t be much debate about this one. Yes, as we recently acknowledged, Igor Shesterkin hasn’t been at his best for the most part this season, which is part of the reason for the Blueshirts’ struggles in 2024-25.

However, it would be naive to think that he won’t consistently offer elite play for years to come. The Russian netminder has a track record of a Vezina Trophy, years of dominance in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), and plays his best hockey when the stakes get higher. Over his last three postseasons, Shesterkin has averaged a .929 save percentage. The Rangers will need him to continue their journey for the Stanley Cup after completing their retool between now and this offseason. Plus, the 29-year-old recently signed an eight-year extension with the organization that includes a record average annual value for a goaltender of $11.5 million, which includes a full no-movement clause. So, he likely isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Adam Fox

As of now, Adam Fox is only on pace for 66 points this season compared to last season when he was averaging over a point per game. Even with the production dip, the Jericho, New York native still ranks inside the top five amongst all NHL defensemen in points this season.

Yes, Fox had a poor showing at the 4 Nations Face-Off, but good luck trying to find a defenseman that excels at even half the rate that the 27-year-old does. He’s a franchise player who has been the best defenseman the Rangers have had since Brian Leetch – and it’s not particularly close. As sports analysis website CoinPoker pointed out, the old adage “what have you done for me lately?” definitely applies. But let’s not forget everything Fox has done for the Rangers, including his 2021 Norris Trophy-winning season, and that he’s still among the top defensemen in the league.

Artemi Panarin

Like Fox and Shesterkin, 2024-25 hasn’t been Artemi Panarin’s greatest season as a Ranger – and yet he has still averaged more than a point per game this season.

While the 33-year-old only has one year left on his deal after this season, the Rangers should have every intention of keeping him, even if he does not agree to a contract extension in the offseason. Trading him would significantly deplete the Rangers’ offense and harm the power play. Panarin would be a player you would consider moving if this was a rebuild rather than just a retool. Worst-case scenario, the Rangers flail again in 2025-26, and the front office trades him for future assets. But that’s hypothetical, and keep in mind that he has a full no-movement clause in his contract, so trading him might not be possible even if the Blueshirts wanted to.

Gabe Perreault

With the Rangers in full sell mode, it makes little sense for them to even consider trading their top prospect in the organization. In the last two seasons, Gabe Perreault has dominated the NCAA, registering 104 points in 69 games. In addition, the 19-year-old has won two World Junior Hockey Championships and is currently playing on the top team in NCAA hockey (Boston College) in hopes of a national championship.

All Perreault has been surrounded by is winning. Maybe he turns out to be a special player, or maybe he only pans out to be just a quality top nine player. Either way, the Rangers should want to find out. If the organization is to consider making a big trade to help them for next season, Drury should at most consider moving Brennan Othmann, who is the organization’s next best prospect. The upside is high with Perreault, and it will be interesting to see how great of an NHL player he can become without the likes of his current NCAA teammate, Ryan Leonard.

While Drury shouldn’t have any appetite to move these four players, that doesn’t mean he should hang up the phone on other core players who aren’t scheduled to become UFAs – from Mika Zibanejad to Braden Schneider. The goal is to make the team better for 2025-26, as the Rangers have signaled that this season is no longer a big priority after trading Lindgren for future assets. Trading Smith will give the Rangers more assets, which the organization could use to flip for players that can help them next season. Tough decisions will need to be made not only ahead of Friday’s deadline but in the coming months up until training camp. Now, what’s left is to see if Drury will make the right moves that will put the Rangers back in Stanley Cup contention.