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Rangers Eyeing 'Big Swing' Trade as Veterans Could Be Moved: Report

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Dec 21, 2024 6:30 AM ET

The New York Rangers are preparing for a major roster shakeup, with NHL insiders Elliotte Friedman and Arthur Staple reporting the team’s aggressive plans ahead of the March 7 trade deadline.

According to Friedman, Rangers general manager Chris Drury is aiming for a “big swing” to try to bring the team back into the playoff spots after a turbulent start to the season.

Speaking on Friday's episode of the "32 Thoughts" podcast, Friedman confirmed that the Rangers are in the market for a significant move.

“I think overall, they’re looking to take a big swing at something—a very big swing,” Friedman said. "And, you know, one of the shocking things is that it looks almost impossible for them to get into the playoffs through their division.”

As Friedman pointed out, the Rangers' hopes to make the postseason will probably depend on what teams outside of the Metropolitan Division do in terms of wild-card positioning.

Regarding potential trades still pending in Drury's and the Rangers' plans, Arthur Staple of The Athletic identified several Rangers players as potential trade candidates.

Staple named Ryan Lindgren, Reilly Smith, Jimmy Vesey, and recent addition William Borgen as "most likely to be moved" in the next few weeks leading up to March's trade deadline.

"Unless things can turn around, this team is headed back into the draft lottery," Staple wrote. "That means Drury is going to keep looking for chances to move players out before the March 7 trade deadline and possibly into the offseason."

New York's 16-15-1 record has the team in fifth place with 33 points, 12 fewer than the Devils in second position and 13 behind Washington atop the division.

That said, New York is only three points off the second wild-card berth and five from the first spot on those standings.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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