Rangers head into 2025-26 with a clearer plan and a roster overhaul aimed at a sharp bounce-back after a brutal 2024-25. Core veterans and a sharpened defensive unit are front and center as Mike Sullivan attempts to unlock a higher ceiling for Sam Miller-era stars and the kids waiting in the wings. Alexis Lafrenière faces seven-year, $52.15 million expectations while Mika Zibanejad looks to reverse a recent slide. A revamped blueline—Gavrikov, Borgen, Vaakanainen, Soucy—should lift Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick, who enter a season with real coaching-driven structure in front of them. The 3C question looms large, with Parssinen, Raddysh and company vying for a defined identity. In net, Shesterkin anchors, but Quick’s age adds a layer of risk and opportunity.

Fantasy takeaway: Fox remains the anchor on the back end and a primary multi-category producer. Miller, Lafrenière and Trocheck form the high-upside trio, while the third line’s stability could swing 12-15 extra wins or losses in close fantasy calls. Watch for expanded roles for Cuylle, Perreault and Othmann if Sullivan trusts them in top or third lines. If Lafrenière finally breaks out, and Zibanejad recaptures his scoring touch, the Rangers become a subtle, high-upside playoff dart board for managers who can time hot streaks and injuries on a deep scoreboard.

As the New York Rangers gear up for the offseason, trade rumors swirl around key players including Chris Kreider and K’Andre Miller. The team is looking to create cap space while considering extensions for Artemi Panarin. Lafreniere's name has also been mentioned in potential deals, particularly if Miller is moved to acquire a forward. The Rangers seem open to trades but are cautious as they lack flexibility, eyeing a loaded free-agent class next year.

The Rangers' general manager has been in talks regarding center and wing positions while assessing left-handed defensemen. The team’s untouchables include Igor Shesterkin, Adam Fox, and Panarin. As the Rangers missed the playoffs last season, the urgency to make impactful trades is high for the upcoming season.

The Anaheim Ducks are keen on breaking their seven-year playoff drought, entering the offseason with renewed ambitions and strategic leadership under new head coach Joel Quenneville. The Ducks are rich in young talent and salary cap flexibility, making them players in trade discussions, particularly around center Trevor Zegras, who is a valued asset. Speculation surrounds a potential trade with the New York Rangers, involving star winger Alexis Lafreniere, who could thrive alongside Anaheim's young roster.

Lafreniere's recent performances, including 17 goals and 28 assists last season, highlight his capability and fit for the Ducks, who aim to inject more scoring into their lineup. The long-term contract of Lafreniere, extending through the 2031-32 season, makes this a calculated risk for Anaheim, which seeks to leverage its farm system and financial resources to enhance its competitive edge.

The Montreal Canadiens are looking to build on their surprising playoff appearance last season, despite having a young roster. With a focus on becoming true contenders, they may target New York Rangers' Alexis Lafreniere, who had an off year and is rumored to be on the trading block. Lafreniere, the former first overall pick, could be an excellent addition to the Canadiens' core, alongside stars like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. This move would boost Montreal's offensive capabilities as they seek to enhance their playoff prospects.

The offseason for the Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers is shaping up to be pivotal as both teams seek to retool after disappointing seasons. TVA Sports insider Jean-Charles Lajoie has proposed a trade that could shake up both franchises: swapping former first-overall picks Juraj Slafkovsky and Alexis Lafreniere. The idea of Lafreniere returning to his native Quebec has garnered attention, particularly given his potential to thrive under the pressures of the Montreal market.

With both players posting similar stats last season—51 points for Slafkovsky and 45 for Lafreniere—the trade could address critical needs for each team. While Canadiens GM Kent Hughes stresses the importance of balancing talent addition with experience, speculation mounts around the Rangers, who may consider moving Lafreniere to free up resources. This trade discussion is not just about numbers, but the potential resurgence of two young talents.