The New York Rangers did a lot of work on their roster this offseason, upgrading the talent level considerably.
It was a necessary move, given where the team finished in the Eastern Conference standings this past season. With only 77 points, they were in last place, an incredibly rapid fall from grace for a team that had 55 wins and 114 points, both franchise records just two years ago.
While the Rangers look positioned to make a run at a playoff spot, especially being part of the Metropolitan Division , this team isn't yet in a position to truly contend for a Stanley Cup. As a result, the front office has to be prepared for anything during the season and have contingencies for the NHL trade deadline.
If New York becomes sellers, or identifies youngsters who are ready for a promotion and need to clear space on the NHL roster, there are a few veterans currently on the team who could become trade chips, all of whom are going to be unrestricted free agents next offseason.
Dec 14, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Joe Veleno (90) prepares for a face off against the Edmonton Oilers during the second period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
"There will be less to sort through in terms of unrestricted free agents, where the only current NHL forwards on expiring contracts are expendable veterans Oliver Bjorkstrand, Taylor Raddysh and Joe Veleno. It's possible one or two could be traded before it even gets to that point," wrote Vincent Z. Mercogliano of The Athletic (subscription required) in a recent piece taking a look at the team's cap situation beyond the 2026-27 campaign.
New York has some cap space available right now, so they don't have to clear money. But trading away some pending unrestricted free agents to bring back some long-term assets, whether it is draft capital or a prospect, would make sense, especially if the front office doesn't view those players as long-term pieces of the puzzle.
Oliver Bjorkstrand was signed to a one-year deal to help bolster the team's offense. He has six seasons of 20+ goals on his resume already and has been in double digits all eight years he has been a full-time member of an NHL team.
Apr 26, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Oliver Bjorkstrand (22) looks on during warm-up before the game against the Montreal Canadiens in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
If a team is in need of an upgrade to their power play unit, Bjorkstrand would make a lot of sense as a trade target. He isn't known for his two-way play, but he can certainly improve a team's offensive output.
Raddysh had a solid first season with the Rangers after signing a two-year deal in free agency last summer. He had a team-high-tying plus/minus ratio of +5 with Adam Fox. In 68 games, he recorded 19 points, scoring nine goals with 10 assists as a consistent bottom-six performer.
Joe Veleno was signed to a one-year deal in free agency and is penciled in as the No. 4 center. His spot in the lineup and on the roster could be tied directly to the development of Cole Beaudoin. If the prospect proves ready for a shot in the NHL, it could be Veleno whose spot he takes, making him a potential trade piece.
This article was originally published on www.si.com/nhl/rangers/onsi as 3 NY Rangers Players Who Could Emerge as Trade Chips .
