yardbarker
Two years after coming within two victories of a Stanley Cup Final appearance, the New York Rangers' roster has undergone major changes. If the team falters early in the 2026-27 campaign, one NHL insider believes even more core players could be on the move.
David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period recently shared his perspective, noting that the first quarter of the season will be crucial. Should the Rangers struggle, he expects names like Adam Fox, Alexis Lafreniere, and even Igor Shesterkin to surface in trade speculation.
“I am very curious to see how the first quarter of the season goes for the New York Rangers,” Pagnotta said. “If it goes to dog crap, I fully expect – I’m not saying it’s gonna happen, I’m just saying if this were to happen at the quarter mark – I would expect names like Adam Fox, Alexis Lafreniere, even Igor to be brought up amongst conversations around the league.”
Pagnotta added that a disastrous start could prompt general manager Chris Drury and his staff to explore trades to salvage the season. “If they have a really bad first quarter of the season, then I think Drury and company, to salvage something, are going to start exploring some of those possibilities.”
Fox's situation is particularly intriguing due to his no-move clause, which modifies next season. Lafreniere has been mentioned in trade talks for a while, and teams have reportedly had discussions about him.
Contract details: Fox, 28, has three years left on a seven-year, $66.5 million extension signed in 2021. Lafreniere, 24, and Shesterkin, 30, are each entering the second year of their respective extensions signed in 2024 – Lafreniere's seven-year, $52.15 million deal and Shesterkin's eight-year, $92.475 million contract.
Drury has already reshaped the roster over the past year, and it remains to be seen whether those changes will return the Rangers to playoff contention. If not, the remaining core from their recent playoff runs could be next to depart.
All signs point to a pivotal season in New York.
Originally reported by yardbarker.