Anaheim Ducks aim to flip defensive depth into scoring by shopping young blue-liners for a top-six addition, keeping Trouba and Gudas on the shelf if the playoff push stalls. The rumor mill ties Ducks to marquee names like Mitch Marner, Jason Robertson and Martin Necas, while the Kings chase forward prices around Adrian Kempe’s extension. Hutson and Reinhart surface in broader market chatter, with Rossi’s deal shaping McTavish talks.

The New York Rangers are undergoing significant changes following a disappointing season where they missed the playoffs. Key veterans including Chris Kreider, Jacob Trouba, and K’Andre Miller have been traded as GM Chris Drury retools the roster. One player possibly facing a similar fate is Mika Zibanejad, who holds a full no-move clause. Yet, recent discussions between Zibanejad and head coach Mike Sullivan suggest the team is keen on keeping the star forward for the long term. Sullivan's personal visit to Zibanejad in Sweden reflects a commitment to resolving any issues amicably.

Zibanejad's contract, with an $8.5 million cap hit for the next five years, gives him leverage in any trade discussions. Reports indicate that the Rangers haven't pressured him to provide a list of acceptable teams for a trade, emphasizing that his approval is crucial for any potential move. The organization aims to build a stronger team around him, as evidenced by Sullivan's proactive approach to maintain a positive relationship amidst trade rumors.

The New York Rangers are poised for significant changes, particularly with the potential trade of Mika Zibanejad, their longest-tenured forward, following the recent departure of Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks. Reports suggest that Zibanejad, who has expressed a willingness to waive his no-move clause, could be ready for a transition, aligning with the franchise's restructured direction. His $8.5 million cap hit could provide the team with essential space for further roster adjustments.

Despite a decline in his numbers last season, Zibanejad's postseason performance showed he can still deliver, making him a valuable asset on the trade market. As General Manager Chris Drury continues to dismantle the old core of the team, including the waiving of Barclay Goodrow and trading Jacob Trouba, the Rangers' strategy to rebuild is evident, presenting new opportunities and challenges moving forward.

The New York Rangers face a turbulent offseason following a season marred by dysfunction and internal strife, culminating in the dismissal of head coach Peter Laviolette and defensive coach Phil Housley. General Manager Chris Drury’s decision reflects deep-seated issues within the team, particularly dissatisfaction among players like Jacob Trouba, Chris Kreider, and Mika Zibanejad, regarding management's handling of key situations. Despite a solid start, the team’s performance dipped significantly, raising questions about the core group’s future, with several players reportedly on the trading block.

As Drury seeks to revamp the roster to restore playoff competitiveness, he acknowledges the need for substantial change to rebuild the team culture. The volatility in ownership and coaching staff has led to speculation about Drury's job security as well, as owners seem less inclined to tolerate constant turnover. The Rangers must navigate this critical juncture wisely, balancing player retention and new acquisitions to avoid repeating past mistakes.

As the NHL season approaches its climax, injuries and player returns are shaping playoff hopes. Jacob Trouba of the Anaheim Ducks made his comeback after a three-game absence due to an upper-body injury, while the Chicago Blackhawks dealt with absentees Connor Murphy and Wyatt Kaiser, sidelined by illness. The Colorado Avalanche are managing a host of injuries; Nathan MacKinnon is being closely monitored as he may miss the final three games due to a minor issue. Martin Necas and Samuel Girard returned to bolster their lineup. The Dallas Stars are optimistic about Tyler Seguin's potential return but are still deliberating on Miro Heiskanen's reintegration following his injury. The Edmonton Oilers have placed John Klingberg on LTIR, complicating their salary cap situation. Meanwhile, Tomas Hertl returned for the Vegas Golden Knights after missing eight games, but Jack Eichel remains out with another upper-body injury.