The New York Rangers are expected to part ways with a veteran player this offseason in a move designed to free up an additional $3.25 million in salary cap space.
As the offseason unfolds and teams around the NHL strategize for the upcoming season, the New York Rangers find themselves once again at a crossroads. Balancing a roster full of young, developing talent and seasoned veterans, while also staying under the constraints of the salary cap, is an ever-present challenge for any front office. For the Rangers, the task is especially pressing. With aspirations of making a deeper playoff run and maximizing the core of their current roster, the team is preparing to make a significant move. That move, according to multiple league sources and insiders close to the team, is expected to involve parting ways with a veteran player to free up an additional \$3.25 million in salary cap space.
The need to create more financial flexibility stems from a number of pressing priorities. Chief among them is the Rangers’ desire to retain and develop their young talent. Players like K’Andre Miller, Alexis Lafrenière, and Braden Schneider are expected to play even larger roles next season, and while some are already under contract, the looming cost of extensions and the inevitable raises that come with strong performance are already on the front office’s radar. Add to that the team’s intention to be aggressive in free agency or via trade to address holes in the lineup—particularly at center and on the wing—and it becomes clear that the Rangers need more room to maneuver.
The \$3.25 million figure isn’t arbitrary. It’s tied to a specific contract on the books, and the player in question has become the subject of speculation in recent weeks. While the Rangers have not confirmed publicly who may be moved, the hockey world has zeroed in on a few likely candidates. One such name that continues to surface is Barclay Goodrow. The 31-year-old forward, known for his gritty play, versatility, and leadership, has been a valuable depth piece since arriving in New York. He’s played key minutes on the penalty kill, chipped in offensively, and brought a veteran presence to the locker room. However, his contract—which carries a cap hit of \$3.641 million through the 2026-27 season—has drawn criticism, particularly as younger players emerge and push for bigger roles.
Goodrow’s postseason contributions this year, including some timely goals and strong defensive shifts, reminded fans and critics alike of his value in high-stakes situations. But that hasn’t stopped the speculation. In a flat-cap era where every dollar matters, teams are increasingly forced to choose between character and cost, and Goodrow’s contract stands as a prime example of that tension. The Rangers, in an effort to maximize every inch of cap flexibility, may view the move as a necessary sacrifice.
There are, of course, other names that have been floated. The Rangers’ blue line, for instance, has depth, and there are veterans with cap hits that could be moved to create space. Players like Jacob Trouba, whose contract carries a significant cap hit of \$8 million annually, have been discussed in speculative trade scenarios. But with a full no-movement clause and a pivotal leadership role as team captain, moving Trouba would require a far more complex scenario. Instead, someone like Goodrow—with a modified no-trade clause that limits his list of acceptable destinations but doesn’t entirely block a move—becomes a more realistic candidate.
The front office’s decision will also hinge on how the trade market develops. With teams around the league similarly constrained by the cap, moving salary isn’t always as simple as flipping a player for a draft pick. Sometimes, it requires taking back a contract in return or packaging a prospect or pick to sweeten the deal. The Rangers have been reluctant to part with premium draft capital, especially given how valuable young, cost-controlled players have become in today’s NHL. But if they identify a free agent or trade target who can meaningfully upgrade the roster, they may decide that moving a contract—even if it means parting with an asset to do so—is a necessary step.
It’s worth noting that the Rangers are not acting out of desperation. This is a calculated move by a front office that has shown patience and discipline under general manager Chris Drury. Since taking over the role, Drury has emphasized building a team capable of winning not just in the short term, but over multiple years. That requires foresight, especially with the salary cap expected to rise more slowly than initially anticipated due to pandemic-related financial losses. Creating space now gives the Rangers more options, whether it’s to re-sign key contributors, target reinforcements in free agency, or simply carry flexibility into the season for mid-year acquisitions.
The timing of the move will also be strategic. Teams often use the NHL Draft and the early days of free agency to shed contracts, and the Rangers are likely to explore all avenues. If they can make a move before July 1, they could position themselves to be more active when the market opens. That’s particularly important this year, as several intriguing names are expected to be available. Whether it’s a scoring winger, a two-way center, or depth defenseman, the Rangers have needs that could be addressed—provided they have the cap space to do it.
There’s also the human side of the equation. Veterans like Goodrow bring more to a team than just numbers on a stat sheet. They set the tone in practice, mentor younger players, and help guide a team through the ups and downs of an 82-game season. Losing that presence can have an impact in the room, and the Rangers will have to weigh that carefully. But the business side of the game rarely affords sentimentality. The harsh truth is that moves like this are part of doing what’s necessary to chase a Stanley Cup.
If the Rangers do finalize a trade to clear \$3.25 million, it will not only be a message about their immediate priorities—it will be a sign that the front office is fully committed to reshaping the roster with the goal of taking the next step. After a season that saw them make the playoffs but fall short of their ultimate goal, the organization is clearly signaling that standing still is not an option. They’re not content with being good—they want to be great.
For the fans, this kind of move is bittersweet. Losing a fan-favorite veteran can sting, especially one who has left his mark with hustle, heart, and big moments in crucial games. But there’s also excitement in knowing that change is coming, and that the team is actively working to improve. Every dollar freed up could be the difference between landing a key free agent or missing out. Every roster spot opened creates an opportunity for a younger player to break through.
In the bigger picture, this offseason marks another chapter in the Rangers’ ongoing evolution. From rebuilding just a few years ago to now being considered among the league’s most talented rosters, the organization has come a long way. Moves like the one they’re planning to make—shedding salary in the name of improvement—are part of the natural progression of a contending team. They’re difficult, but often necessary. And if the move pays off, and the Rangers enter next season with a deeper, more complete lineup, it will have been worth it.
The coming weeks will be telling. Rumors will swirl, names will emerge, and the front office will have decisions to make. But what’s clear already is that the Rangers are not standing pat. They’re looking to the future, and they’re willing to make tough calls to get there. Parting with a veteran to clear \$3.25 million is just one piece of the puzzle—but it could be a critical one as they look to take the next big step in their pursuit of a championship.
