Rangers’ ongoing struggles are fueling speculation about further changes

The NHL’s annual holiday trading halt from December 20th to 27th is fast approaching, fueling speculation about possible moves from the New York Rangers.

The Rangers were in free fall in the standings entering December and traded captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks on December 6th. That move failed to stop the bleeding, as they have won twice in their last six games, slipping out of a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference in the process.

Following the Rangers’ 5-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the Blueshirts were “open for business.” He cited previous reports that left winger Chris Kreider was available.

Friedman said they have some untouchables, like recently re-signed goaltender Igor Shesterkin and several players with no-movement clauses. However, they are willing to consider all options and would be happy to accept offers.

The Athletic’s Arthur Staple wondered who would be next to leave Rangers’ sinking ship. He suggested that Peter Laviolette’s tenure as coach could end early, but that New York Post‘s Larry Brooks claimed management has little courage for a coaching change after making two since 2021.

Remy Mastey of the Hockey News wrote that if the Rangers have already gone through David Quinn and Gerard Gallant and still have issues with physicality and strength on defense, coaching may not be the issue.

THN.com’s Stan Fischler, meanwhile, said Laviolette should play against young players Will Cuyle and Brett Berard more than struggling veterans like Kreider if he wants to keep his job.

Staple claimed there wasn’t much interest in Kreider. The 33-year-old has two years left on his contract and an annual cap hit of $6.5 million. He pointed out that defenseman Ryan Lindgren has been available for some time, but no one is valuing an underperforming UFA-eligible defenseman.

According to Staple, there is still interest in Kaapo Kakko. The 23-year-old right winger has a one-year, $2.4 million contract. His production has improved from his 19-point output in the injury-shortened 2023-24 season, with 14 points in 29 games.

Kakko was a healthy substitute in Sunday’s 3-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues, leading to speculation that he would soon be substituted. However, Brooks’ colleague Mollie Walker cited a league source who claimed there was no trade planned for Kakko.

Brooks believes it’s time for the Rangers to part ways with Kakko. He suggested offering the 23-year-old winger to the Buffalo Sabers for rugged winger Jordan Greenway. Meanwhile, Staples colleague Peter Baugh speculated that Kakko could receive a second-round draft pick or a later draft pick packaged with a pending UFA.

Adam Proteau of the Hockey News wrote that given the Rangers’ current performance, adding a player or two in a trade won’t solve many of their problems. The larger solution must be found internally.

Related: It’s been ‘same old’ for the Rangers this season, and it’s been well below par

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