The Stanley Cup Championship is in the books. Congrats to the Carolina Hurricanes and K’Andre Miller. With the 2026-27 season in the books, the offseason has officially begun.
A pair of trades took place on Tuesday, providing further indication that the prior season is already in the background and at least 31 teams are looking forward to the upcoming campaign. Colorado and Nashville kicked off the offseason, with the Avalanche dealing Ross Colton to the Predators for a pair of third-rounders while each team exchanged goalies. Colorado cleared some cap room while Nashville acquired a solid third liner.
Philly and Toronto agreed on a deal as well. Emil Andrae, who would have been a nice fit with the New York Rangers, went to Toronto with Samuel Ersson and a third-round pick for Joseph Woll and Simon Benoit. The Flyers are betting on Woll rebounding, forming a solid 1-2 duo with Dan Vladar, who is about to sign a five-year deal to remain with the team.
Vincent Trocheck remains the big name mentioned to be on the block in New York. The number of times his name has been thrown out there as being on the block is staggering. At this point, GM Chris Drury almost has to deal with Vinny T because he has become a lame-duck member of the team. If New York is serious about a retool or rebuild, you pick the term, Trocheck may be the most valuable asset based on contract terms, years, and AAV. Not dealing with him and having Trocheck possibly go through several more months of trade speculation is not good for him or the organization. If that proves to be the case, Drury has to state whether he is on the block or off so the path forward is clear.
Unsaid in the above is whether we think Drury is the right person to lead this organization forward. If you asked that question to 100 Rangers fans, my guess is 90+ of those surveyed would say no. The confidence level in the GM, team, and overall franchise is probably at the lowest it has been in the last 20 or so years. The collective thought is that Drury has FUBARed a team that looked to be on the cusp of either a championship or a run at one for the foreseeable future. Now, New York is looking at another retool or rebuild led by a GM most of us have little confidence in, which is not a recipe for success.
If Drury is going to change the collective view about him, the next two weeks of so, leading up to and after the draft, along with the draft, are key. Where the team goes in that 14 or so-day span will shape this franchise, good or bad. If Drury kills it in the trade market and draft, the organization will have an up arrow. If he falters in either or both, the calls for his head on a platter will grow louder and louder.
I badly wish I could say I am confident. That, however, would be a lie. Prove me and the fanbase wrong, Drury or find the next can out of town.
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