Buffalo claimed two former Rangers off waivers, Zac Jones and Jake Leschyshyn, while Alex Belzile surfaced on waivers to Laval after signing with Montreal. Jones, a puck-moving defenseman, showed flashes last season but struggled for consistent ice time in New York. Leschyshyn, Curtis Leschyshyn’s son, posted 24 points in Hartford last year before landing with Buffalo. Other notable waivers included Hudson Fasching, Brendan Gaunce and Kole Lind, highlighting a broader churn at depth in the league.

Adam Fox returns to the New York Rangers lineup, a crucial boost as they face the Columbus Blue Jackets in a pivotal game. After an eight-game absence due to an upper-body injury, Fox’s presence is expected to reinvigorate a struggling power play that has only scored twice in its last 26 attempts. His absence had severely impacted the team’s offensive output, with the Rangers failing to score more than three goals in their last five games.

Aside from Fox’s return, the Rangers are making adjustments to their defensive pairings and power play units. Zac Jones has been demoted from the top power-play unit and will now operate on the second line. Coach Peter Laviolette is also considering changes to the defensive pairings, with K'Andre Miller and Will Borgen likely staying together, and Urho Vaakanainen as a contender to pair with Fox. This matchup is critical as the Rangers and Blue Jackets vie for the final wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference.

The New York Rangers achieved a gritty 3-2 victory over the Boston Bruins, showcasing a revived determination reminiscent of last season's playoff run. The win was vital, significantly impacting their playoff prospects, as they beat the Bruins in regulation, gaining valuable points in the standings. With a solid defensive effort limiting Boston to just 17 shots, the Rangers' special teams stepped up, highlighted by Chris Kreider's shorthanded game-winner.

Kreider's 50th career game-winning goal and 320th overall mark a significant milestone as he inches closer to franchise legend Adam Gilbert's record of 406 goals. This resurgence coincides with the recent trade for J.T. Miller, which has proven beneficial for the Rangers' dynamic. Meanwhile, Zac Jones' impressive performance could lead to potential roster shifts, hinting at possible trades ahead.

Trade rumors surrounding the Vancouver Canucks are intensifying, especially concerning center J.T. Miller and his possible return to the New York Rangers, where he previously played for six seasons. Reports indicate the Rangers attempted to trade struggling center Mika Zibanejad for Miller last November, but the Canucks declined the offer. Discussions about Braden Schneider have also surfaced, as the Canucks expressed interest in the 23-year-old defenseman, although the Rangers were reluctant to let him go.

Additional reports suggest that the Canucks are evaluating their options with multiple teams regarding Miller and center Elias Pettersson, including the Carolina Hurricanes, who had engaged with Vancouver about Pettersson prior to his eight-year contract. The Boston Bruins are also in the mix, reportedly wanting to acquire one of the Canucks' centers, with a focus on getting younger.

While the Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to add a center, they are deemed not high on the list for players like Pettersson or Miller. Meanwhile, the New York Islanders have also expressed interest in Pettersson. The Canucks are said to be seeking a center in return for either player, potentially eliminating the Bruins and Leafs from consideration.

Industry analysts caution against trading either Miller or Pettersson, suggesting that such a move could be detrimental to the team's future. Vincent Trocheck of the Rangers is also highlighted as a player of interest in trade talks, yet the team is not open to moving him, as he may take on a leadership role in the future. The Canucks' management faces critical decisions regarding their star players amidst this flurry of trade discussions.