The New York Rangers are looking to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs after last year’s playoff disappointment.
The Rangers could go all-in at the trade deadline, as New York is primed with plenty of draft picks and young players to make a move. NHL analyst Rob Ellis of NHLTradeRumor named Dallas Stars star forward Jason Robertson a perfect trade target for the Rangers.
“The Rangers’ core is aging. Key players like J.T. Miller, Mika Zibanejad, and Vincent Trocheck are all 32,” Ellis wrote. “While still productive, the window to win a Stanley Cup with this group is narrowing. Compounding this is the situation with Artemi Panarin. The “Breadman” is approaching 34, and while his offensive prowess is undeniable, a long-term, high-value contract carries significant risk. This is where a player like Robertson becomes an intriguing and, frankly, necessary target.
“At 26, he is just entering his prime and has already established himself as one of the league’s premier scoring threats,” Ellis added. “His offensive creativity and goal-scoring ability would not only replace Panarin’s production but also align perfectly with the team’s timeline for sustained success.”
Robertson is entering the final year of his four-year, $31 million deal with the Stars. He’s a pending RFA, and his name has come up in trade talks.
Robertson would be a top-six forward for the Rangers and add some more scoring to the lineup.
Insider Names Robertson a Trade Candidate
Although Robertson is a star player in the NHL, his name has been linked to trade rumors.
Robertson has yet to sign an extension, and Dallas could look to move on from him and recoup plenty of assets.
NHL insider Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet had Robertson as the No. 1 trade candidate entering the offseason.
“Given Mikko Rantanen is making $12 million against the cap, and the upper limit is still on the rise, how high will the Stars be comfortable going on Robertson? The feeling has been that the ask could be to match Rantanen’s AAV,” Kypreos wrote. “Robertson scored a career-high 46 goals and 109 points two years ago, but has finished with 80 points two years in a row. He scored 35 goals this past season.
“At the same time, the Stars are a win-now team and Robertson is their first line left winger,” Kypreos added. “If he’s moved out, what sort of return can they expect to keep pushing for a Cup, and who would be left over to play on the left side? Robertson is 25 years old and firmly in his prime, so GM Jim Nill must tread carefully.”
If the Stars do end up trading Robertson, several teams would be interested in him, perhaps even the Rangers. Robertson recorded 35 goals and 45 assists for 80 points in 82 games last season.
Rangers Have Goal of Returning to Playoffs
New York had a very disappointing season last year as the Rangers missed the playoffs a year after having the best record in the NHL.
In the offseason, the Rangers were aggressive as New York fired coach Peter Laviolette and replaced him with Mike Sullivan.
New York also traded Chris Kreider and K’Andre Miller as the Rangers reshaped their roster this offseason. The goal for the Rangers is to return to the playoffs and be a legit Cup contender.
The Rangers are 2-1 to begin the season.
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