The New York Rangers had until Wednesday at 7 pm to decide if they would trade Pittsburgh this year’s or next year’s first-round pick. As reported by many, GM Chris Drury made that decision with more than a day to spare, opting to hold on to next year’s pick and give Pittsburgh this year’s. The Penguins now have the 11th and 12th selections on Friday, which might allow GM Kyle Dubas to explore moving up into the top ten.
Rationale for dealing this year’s pick and keeping next year’s
1) Next year’s draft is believed to be much deeper. If New York is better, a late-teens, early-20s pick would be similar in talent to this year’s pick at 12
2) allows Drury the threat of an offer sheet to a restricted free agent. Having their own first-round pick would enable the Rangers to extend an offer sheet, if desired, or at least throw the fear in some teams, along with a front-loaded cash bonus structure, possibly creating a trade opportunity
3) if New York is vastly better and in playoff contention, a bit of a stretch but possible, the pick is a trade chip at the trade deadline
4) worst case scenario, and the team is as bad or worse than this year, keeping the pick means New York – and not Pittsburgh – remains in the Gavin McKenna lottery sweepstakes
Remaining picks
Following the trade of the 2025 first-rounder, the Rangers have a 2nd, two 3rds, a 4th, a 5th, two 6ths, and a 7th pick this year. Dealing the pick could mean that the K’Andre Miller trade sweepstakes might focus on receiving a first-rounder back as the primary component of any deal. But now, the Rangers are on the outside looking in Friday night in Los Angeles.
Round 2: Pick 43
Round 3: Pick 70 and Pick 89
Round 4: Pick 111
Round 5: Pick 139
Round 6: Pick 166 and Pick 171
Round 7: Pick 203
