Rangers’ latest strategy centers on landing Connor McDavid

For New York’s Chris Drury-led front office, the summer of 2026 is being viewed as a massive turning point. With projected salary cap space and roster flexibility unlike anything the team has seen in recent memory, the Rangers are preparing for a potentially game-changing window, according to Vince Z. Mercogliano and Peter Baugh of the Athletic.

The spotlight is on several high-end talents who could hit free agency, headlined by Jack Eichel, Kirill Kaprizov, and the consensus best player in the world, Connor McDavid. Whether any of these stars actually reach the market is the subject of intense speculation around the league, and will ultimately dictate just how bold Drury can be in reshaping the roster.

Part of the strategy is timing. Artemi Panarin’s team-high $11.643 million AAV comes off the books at the end of the season, while the cap is expected to jump from $95.5 million in 2025-26 to $104 million in 2026-27. With these changes, Drury and the Rangers’ decision-makers are circling July 1, 2026, on their calendars, giving them the flexibility to move when the right opportunity presents itself. This explains why the Rangers are in no rush to extend Panarin, who will turn 34 next month, preferring to keep their options open as they size up a summer of possibilities.

McDavid could technically negotiate an extension with Edmonton at any moment, but so far he has expressed belief in the Oilers while leaving “all options on the table.” Landing the generational talent may be a long shot, but as long as he remains unsigned, the Rangers, along with several other interested teams, must remain prepared to act. As Mercogliano and Baugh put it: “In the short term, the best thing the Rangers can do is have a low-drama season with solid on-ice results. McDavid, in particular, has been clear that winning is his No. 1 priority.”

Meanwhile, Kaprizov has fueled speculation by turning down Minnesota’s eight-year, $128 million extension before training camp. Both he and GM Bill Guerin attempted to calm the rumors, but the record-setting contract rejection got everyone’s attention. The Rangers are among those closely watching, especially since Kaprizov and Panarin share an agent, Paul Theofanous, adding another layer to any potential moves.

Jack Eichel may be the likeliest of the three to re-sign with the Vegas Golden Knights, with all signs pointing toward a deal being completed soon. But should that change, the Rangers have a history of pursuing him, including multiple attempts to pry him from Buffalo before his trade to Vegas in 2021.

In the short term, the Rangers’ best path is delivering solid on-ice results. But when the summer of 2026 arrives, if any major free agents or trade targets become available, Drury must be ready to strike decisively.