The New York Rangers’ collapse this season has been striking and there seemingly is no stopping it.
After a promising 12–4 start to the campaign coming off an Eastern Conference Finals run, the team has lost 15 of its last 20 games and is tied in points with the New York Islanders for last place in the Atlantic Division, boasting an 18-19-1 record.
According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, via Mike Whitaker of Sportskeeda, the organization is pivoting toward the future rather than trying to salvage this season.
Seravalli outlined the Rangers’ trade deadline strategy, emphasizing a long-term focus instead of trying to make a push toward contention this season.
“Right now, they’re trending to be sellers,” Seravalli said. “But, I still don’t believe that Chris Drury is going to sit back and do nothing.
”I think they’re going to be buyers for the long haul, but maybe not fixing this season, if that makes any sense.”
Adding credence to Seravalli's thoughts is the fact that New York's intentions became clear when they completed two significant moves earlier this season: the trades of captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks and former no.2 overall pick Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken.
These trades netted the team assets like defenseman Urho Vaakanainen, Will Borgen, and multiple draft picks, but none of those players can be considered a difference-making addition.
Seravalli emphasized the Rangers’ focus on building a sustainable contender for next season and beyond rather than patching up a crumbling season.
“They’re not thinking all in for this season,” Seravalli said. “They’re thinking about what that looks like moving forward.”
With the trade deadline still two months away, the Rangers appear committed to reshaping their roster for future success, acknowledging this is more lost than not.
