Rangers GM Chris Drury warns fans and star players of major pending changes

The New York Rangers are officially shifting gears. On Friday, general manager Chris Drury addressed the fanbase in a letter outlining the organization’s next steps: the team will embark on a “retool”, emphasizing that “this will not be a rebuild”, a move that could see several players from past successes moved before the March 6 trade deadline.

He also met with the team today, and members of the leadership group individually to tell them this was the plan, per insider Elliotte Friedman.

"We are not going to stand pat - a shift will give us the ability to be smart and opportunistic as we retool the team. This will not be a rebuild. This will be a retool built around our core players and prospects," wrote Drury.

While the Rangers remain competitive, Drury’s message reflects the sense that the organization is looking to retool around a younger, more sustainable core. As losses mount this season, speculation over the futures of high-profile players has intensified.

At the center of that speculation is Artemi Panarin. Multiple sources report that the Rangers recently offered Panarin a contract modelled after Anze Kopitar’s extension with the Los Angeles Kings, an offer that was ultimately rejected. No more offers will be coming.

With the trade deadline looming, teams such as the Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, and Washington Capitals are reportedly monitoring Panarin’s situation closely.

But Panarin isn’t the only player whose future could be in question. According to Vincent Mercogliano of The Athletic, New York is also exploring “change of scenery” options for other young pieces, including former first-overall pick Alexis Lafrenière, winger Brennan Othmann, and defenseman Braden Schneider.

Othmann appears to be the most obvious trade candidate, as he has struggled to secure a consistent role and could fetch value for the Rangers. Lafrenière remains an intriguing, if complicated, prospect: still only 24, his upside could attract teams willing to bet on him, though his $7.45 million cap hit through 2031–32 may limit suitors. Veteran center Vincent Trocheck could also draw interest given the league-wide demand for centers, though he carries a 12-team no-trade list, and there’s no indication Drury is actively shopping him.

Drury’s letter makes clear the Rangers are focused on recalibrating for long-term success without committing to a full rebuild. But with the trade deadline approaching, fans should expect changes that could reshape the roster, and the team’s approach this season may be just the beginning of a larger evolution in New York.