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NHL insider suggests New York Rangers are preparing to make a major move

Originally posted on NY Rangers Insider | By Joshua Deeds | Last updated Dec 19, 2024 7:43 PM ET

Wednesday marked the start of something big, as the New York Rangers traded Kaapo Kakko. This was right after the team had dealt longtime captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks. This could be the end of an era in New York.

The way the current New York Rangers roster is constructed could look a lot different, as it seems GM Chris Drury is gearing up for a major trade.

Drury cleared about $10.4 Million in cap space recently, moving Kaapo Kakko and Jacob Trouba.

Both players had found their time at an end, as Kakko spoke out in the media against his healthy scratch, and Trouba accepted his fate reluctantly weeks before.

Now, according to Elliotte Friedman, the team is looking to give itself a facelift and could we see major pieces moved soon?

The Rangers are a shell of the team that won the Presidents' Trophy last season, as they're sixth in the Metropolitan Division, with a 15-15-1 record.

They've been playing terrible hockey and have hung Igor Shesterkin out to dry regularly.

To give you an idea, they've given up 10 goals in the last three games.

Not ideal, especially if a team considers itself a Stanley Cup contender. And let's be honest, they're not the Edmonton Oilers, which put up a masterclass in coming from behind last season to reach the Stanley Cup Final.

Now, it appears Drury is quickly working on a re-tool, and with major gears moving, could we see other top stars traded soon?

Friday begins the roster freeze, which will be lifted on the 27th of December. For now, if nothing happens, he'll have to wait until the after the holidays to wheel and deal some more.

The Rangers will have $20.8 million in cap space once the deadline arrives, and they have their first-round picks for 2025, 2026, and 2027.

How soon should we expect at least one or two of those to be moved?

This article first appeared on NY Rangers Insider and was syndicated with permission.

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