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Sean Durzi embraces fresh start after being traded to Rangers
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- Sean Durzi embraces fresh start after being traded to Rangers
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Sean Durzi admitted Thursday that he was caught a little off-guard when the Utah Mammoth traded him to the New York Rangers on July 1 as the main part of the return in the Vincent Trocheck trade.
"It's a business at the end of the day," the 27-year-old defenseman said during his first meeting with the local media since the trade. "That's kind of how this works. I'm a passionate player. I put my heart and soul into every game, every single moment that I'm a part of. And maybe sometimes that makes you forget that it's a business."
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The Rangers acquired Durzi , along with center prospect Cole Beaudoin and a third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft in exchange for the 33-year-old center, who spent the past four seasons on Broadway.
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Durzi was previously traded from the Los Angeles Kings to the Arizona Coyotes in 2023, giving him some experience with what comes with being moved. This time, he said, the adjustment shifted from processing the trade to preparing for a new opportunity.
"This isn't my first trade. I know how to react. I know how to deal with it," Durzi said. "Initial shock and then it's get to work. I'm a big believer in proving those who believe in you right, and I think having the opportunity to prove this staff with the Rangers right is exciting for me.
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"That's kind of a little bit of kick of motivation in the middle of a long, grinding summer, and I can't wait."
Durzi and the Rangers each enter the new season looking to turn the page after disappointing finishes in 2025-26 — something he said makes this opportunity even more appealing.
"The beauty of the NHL, I think, is it's a fresh start every year," Durzi said. "I think both [the Rangers and Mammoth] know that coming into the new year, it's a restart to start from zero, and that opportunity is pretty exciting."
Durzi also discussed how he believes his style of play fits into the Rangers' defensive group and the role he hopes to fill alongside his new teammates.
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Newcomer Sean Durzi feels he can help Rangers' transition game
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Although the Rangers don't start training camp until September, Durzi already has a vision for how he can contribute to the Blueshirts. With a team built around speed and skill, he believes his biggest responsibility starts with moving the puck quickly and accurately.
"The forward group we have is pretty special," Durzi said. "For them to use that ability, I think we've got to be able to move pucks, move pucks flat and on the tape. Timing is so important, and then let them do their thing from there. That's kind of what my game is. I think that's where I can really help this team."
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That style could make Durzi a seamless fit next to the Rangers' other newcomer on the blue line, Marcus Pettersson , who was acquired from the Vancouver Canucks — also on July 1. The expectation is that the two will form a solid second pairing behind Adam Fox and Vladislav Gavrikov.
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Durzi said he has already spoken with Pettersson and likes the idea of playing together.
"I know Marcus' game is incredible," Durzi said. "I've played against him a lot. If I'm lucky enough to play with Marcus, then I think it's an exciting pair. If not, then wherever I fit in this lineup, I know that the (defense) corps is going to carry a lot of the load. There's a lot of really good defensemen that are going to push each other every single day."
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Durzi enters the season confident in where his own game stands despite injuries that held him back during the past two seasons. Despite missing 22 games in 2025-26, he said he believed he was playing some of the best hockey of his career.
"To be quite honest with you, I felt the best I've ever felt in a hockey game last season," Durzi said. "My game's in a good spot. I'm excited to bring that kind of puck-moving ability to this team."
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The transition to New York will also be made easier by a familiar face. Durzi spent parts of two seasons with Jonathan Quick in Los Angeles and has stayed close with the newly hired Rangers Director of Goaltending Development , even staying with Quick and his family during previous trips to the Big Apple.
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"I can't say enough good things about him," Durzi said. "Him and his family have always welcomed us with open arms. He's an incredible human being, incredible teammate, and one of the best goalies to ever play the game."
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