The Letter 2.0 was issued by Chris Drury today. Last year, we had the text message to the league general managers that sunk the team after a 12-4-1 start. Under former GM Jeff Gorton and John Davidson, New York issued the first letter, which signaled a rebuild that ultimately resulted in landing the first and second overall picks in back-to-back years, additional younger talent, the firing of Gorton and Davidson, promotion of Drury, and ultimately, a berth in the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals (built largely off the talent acquired by Gorton).
In this case, the word “rebuild” was not used, instead retool. Choose whichever term you want, it’s all the same. In a positive note, unlike the text that was sent last year before players, especially those explicitly named in the text – Jacob Trouba and Chris Kreider – at least this time Drury held individual meetings with the leadership group and held a team meeting before the letter was shared.
If you ask Rangers fans, their first response would be to fire Drury. To me, the bigger and more important question might be, is Drury the right person to lead this “retool.” I have not seen anything to date to indicate that is the case. I have been very clear in stating I don’t think Gorton and/or Davidson should have been fired, and if both of them were in place, the team might have beaten Tampa in 2022 and/or Florida in 2024, but that’s pure speculation.
But Drury is here and now it’s up to him to turn this franchise around, even though he is the one that put the Rangers in this mess. Almost no one should be immune from being moved, but contract length and attractiveness in the marketplace will drive who can be dealt. In addition, no trade or no movement clauses.
Artemi Panarin, a free agent after the season, is likely gone. He has a no-trade clause but a deal to an attractive location for the kind of deal that Claude Giroux brought, a first, a prospect and an additional piece is what should be the target. Per Elliotte Friedman, Drury met with Panarin today and informed him that the team would not be offering him an extension. Panarin could play out the season but Drury will work with Panarin and his agent Paul Theofanous to find a landing spot for the playoff run.
In terms of attractiveness, Vincent Trocheck might even be a bigger target for teams. A center who wins draws, playoff proven, a leader on and off the ice with three years remaining after this one at a reasonable $5.625 million cap hit would net the bigger return. He has a 12-team no trade clause, but that likely should not be an impediment if he is willing to move.
Alexis Lafrenière has looked mildly better but has not lived up to being the first overall pick. He does not have any NTC or NMC until after next season, so in theory he would be easier to move. However, he is making $7.45 mil through 2031-32, which is the bigger problem. In terms of the fanbase, Laf would be jettisoned out of town quickly, but if you believe that he can turn it around or the return would be so minimal that it makes more sense to keep him for at least one more season and move him before the clauses kick in, I could see that happening.
Mika Zibanejad has been the team’s best player. He has to date adamantly refused to waive his NMC, so he has all the power. Zib is signed through 2029-30 at $8.5 mil per. His improved play and ability to play center and wing would generate interest in the league, though his season might be a slight impediment following his rough back-to-back seasons. I would guess Drury tries to move him if he gets the right return. (JT Miller is pretty much a lock to stay).
Of the remaining “bigger” names, Will Cuylle, despite his regression this season, will be a target of many. Signed through next season at $3.9 million and then an RFA with arb rights, Cuylle is a third line winger who could be a second liner, though he struggled with that promotion this season. I only move him for a big return, including a young scoring winger or center. Connor Sheary, Taylor Raddysh and Jonny Brodzinski all are available for very small returns. Matt Rempe probably sticks and I would keep Sam Carrick, who is cheap at $1 million for one more year, effective in his role and a leader on-and-off the ice who should have an A on his jersey.
On the blue line, Adam Fox, sidelined with an injury, is the one who would draw tns of interest. If you believe the team won’t be good until 2027-28 or 2028-29, Fox’s deal expires at the end of that latter season. Since his game is not predicated on speed but positioning, awareness and anticipation, he should age well and not see a major decline in performance. But you have to wonder if officially waiving the white flag and signaling a retool could change the organization’s or Fox’s view?
Braden Schneider has failed to develop since his play in the 2021-22 playoffs. He has stagnated and likely benefits from a change in scenery. Schneider might be a second pair blueliner down the road, but he has played like a third duo mate here. A pending RFA who expects to get paid, a deal for a cheaper blueliner or other package should be the target.
Sayonara Carson Soucy, bye bye Will Borgen, even if you had to eat some salary to move the remaining four years at $4.1 million per year of his salary, similar for Urho Vaakanainen, who has one more season at $1.55 million remaining.
Igor Shesterkin, making $11.5 mil through 2032-33, is going nowhere. No one is likely taking on that contract and he has a full no-movement clause. Now if Igor asks for a deal and is willing to move, that will change the equation. If Drury can find a playoff contender looking for a veteran backup, he owes it to Jonathan Quick, who has a 20-team no trade clause, to land him in that spot.
The fall from the 2023-24 run to the ECF to now has been stark and quick. New York looks like an embarrassment on and off the ice. This should be Drury’s last chance at turning it around. A failure to restock the prospect pool and talent on the ice and he will be on the outside looking in.
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