Rangers' Top Players to Target and Avoid at 2025 NHL Trade Deadline
Less than a year ago, the New York Rangers won the Presidents’ Trophy, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the second time in three years.
Now, with just 24 games remaining in the 2024–25 season, the Blueshirts are two points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final wild card spot, in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020–21.
Adding to their struggles, Adam Fox, the top defenseman and second-leading point scorer, recently landed on injured reserve with an upper-body injury.
With the season winding down, the Rangers will need to be active ahead of the March 7 trade deadline to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Here’s how they can start.
Target: Connor Murphy
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Rangers’ star goalie Igor Shesterkin’s career-high 2.93 goals against average is not a reflection of his play, but rather a testament to just how much the Blueshirts’ defense has struggled this season.
Defenseman Braden Schneider's 3.03 expected goals against per 60 minutes in five-on-five play ranks sixth worst in the NHL among defensemen.
Then there's also Ryan Lindgren's 3.63 on-ice high-danger shot attempts against per 60 minutes, which ranks sixth worst in the NHL.
That's where Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy comes in.
Murphy's defensive stats stand out as an anomaly on a team that surrenders a league-leading 3.68 goals per game.
When Murphy is on the ice for 5-on-5 play, the Blackhawks are allowing just 2.52 expected goals per 60 minutes, which would rank second among Rangers defenders behind just Adam Fox.
While you won't be getting an offensive playmaker in Murphy, it's more important the Rangers find a defenseman they can rely on.
Avoid: Seth Jones
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On paper, Seth Jones seems like a viable fit for the Blueshirts with Fox temporarily absent.
The Chicago Blackhawks defenseman has recorded 27 points in 41 games this season and is capable of logging heavy minutes, especially if K'Andre Miller misses time.
However, Jones' 2.97 on-ice expected goals against per 60 minutes in five-on-five play is 11th worst among defenders.
Furthermore, the 30-year-old is in the third year of an eight-year, $76 million contract, which could be difficult for the Rangers to take on.
Target: Brock Boeser
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If the Rangers want to show they are all-in at the deadline, they should target Brock Boeser.
The 28-year-old Vancouver Canucks right winger tallied 73 points in 81 games last year, reaching the All-Star game for just the second time in his career.
Although Boeser's production is down this year, he's in the final year of a three-year, $19.95 million contract, making him an intriguing rental option.
Boeser would provide the Rangers with a much-needed offensive boost while reuniting with former teammate J.T. Miller, with whom he formed a dominant tandem in the 2023-24 season.
[Data In This Article Via MoneyPuck]
