The New York Rangers have been among the busiest teams in the NHL this season, but they’re still not finished. As the trade deadline approaches in less than a month, the Rangers still have areas that require attention. They need reinforcements, and Chris Drury has been one of the most active general managers this season, already making significant trades with Seattle, Anaheim, and Vancouver. He’ll continue to explore ways to strengthen this team and get them back to Stanley Cup contention.
Where should the Rangers focus their upgrades to reach that level? There has been plenty of talk about defensive inconsistencies, but as the team starts to show improvement, the question is whether it’s worth trying to fix what’s not entirely broken. It’s a delicate decision for Drury, who will need to strike the right balance to ensure a return to the playoffs. The Rangers’ defense clearly needs improvement. Even with a talented player like Adam Fox, his performance has been lacking, partly due to insufficient support from his defensive partner. Replacing Ryan Lindgren may be a top priority for Drury. Given the cap space available, a less-than-ideal contract wouldn’t be a dealbreaker, though it would need to be addressed later.
On top of that, Urho Vaakanainen’s inconsistent play has become evident. While he can be a useful depth player, his shortcomings have created a need for change. Vaakanainen may be better suited as a seventh defenseman, so finding a better partner for Braden Schneider on the third pairing could be an area Drury looks to address.
With Adam Edstrom likely out for the remainder of the regular season, the Rangers will need to fill his spot on the fourth line. Drury has emphasized the need for more physicality and aggression from his forwards, but that type of player has yet to arrive in New York. Acquiring a tough fourth-liner is a challenge, as these players are highly sought after.
One possible target is Boston Bruins forward Trent Frederic, a pending UFA who fits the mold of the type of player Drury is seeking. Known for his physicality and occasional intensity, Frederic has earned a reputation for being tough, and if the Bruins decide to trade him, he could be a good fit for the Rangers.
We’ll learn more in the coming months about the Rangers’ moves, but for now, they’ll be watching the Four Nations Faceoff as they await the NHL’s return.
