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.

The 2024-2025 New York Rangers have seen their playoff hopes virtually extinguished, languishing four points behind the Montreal Canadiens with only six games left in the season. This year was marred by a lack of effort and poor performance, leading to questions about the team's leadership and roster decisions. Following a strong start, the Rangers stumbled due to numerous factors, including ineffective defensive pairings and troubling trade rumors. Key players like Jacob Trouba and Chris Kreider were embroiled in controversies that seemed to disrupt team cohesion.

Coach Peter Laviolette's decisions, particularly regarding player usage and tactical approaches, have come under fire. The return of Ryan Lindgren was deemed a pivotal moment, disrupting previously effective defensive combinations. The Rangers' struggles highlight the need for significant roster adjustments, with Kreider and Mika Zibanejad likely on the trading block as the team prepares for major changes.

Troy Terry of the Anaheim Ducks suffered an injury during a recent game, colliding with teammate Frank Vatrano and leaving in the third period without an update on his status. Meanwhile, Jacob Trouba of the New York Rangers missed his game due to a lower-body injury and is currently day-to-day. In Carolina, Jordan Staal also missed his game with a lower-body issue. For the Edmonton Oilers, Connor McDavid is not traveling on their road trip, but coach Kris Knoblauch is optimistic about his return before the regular season concludes. Leon Draisaitl has returned to the lineup as the Oilers prepare for a crucial stretch. Additionally, Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild is working towards a comeback, but his return may not be imminent, as he will consult with his doctors to determine the next steps.