Quick Hits: Predators, Blue Jackets, and Panthers
Elliotte Friedman reports that the Nashville Predators are actively pursuing candidates for their general manager position, having held multiple discussions with several individuals, including Marc Bergevin and Panthers AGM Brett Peterson. The team is expected to narrow down its list of prospects soon.
Columbus Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell confirmed his intention to discuss head coach Rick Bowness’s future after the season, stating neither is concerned about the timing.
Regarding the Florida Panthers, there were reports that Brad Marchand’s six-year, $5.25 million contract was considered a benchmark for a new deal for goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, though the Panthers ultimately did not pursue this comparison.
New York Rangers Offseason Retooling Strategy
Vince Z. Mercogliano outlines the New York Rangers’ significant offseason plans, projecting nearly $27.5 million in cap space with 19 players currently under contract, indicating potential roster changes. Players like Jaroslav Chmelař, Juuso Pärssinen, or Urho Vaakanainen are not guaranteed roster spots, and Vincent Trocheck could be a trade candidate.
A key offseason priority for GM Chris Drury is to secure the best trade package for Trocheck, preferably in exchange for a forward with top-six potential. Drury’s retooling strategy favors NHL-ready or near-ready players.
While teams were hesitant to trade roster players at the deadline, the offseason offers more flexibility. Drury aims to market Trocheck as a top-line center, though other teams might view him as a second-line, or eventually, a third-line center by 2029.
Defenseman Braden Schneider, a pending RFA, is another potential trade candidate, alongside ongoing market evaluations for Alexis Lafreniere. Both players are 24 years old. Additionally, the Rangers might explore moving Will Borgen, whose full no-trade clause transitions to a 15-team no-trade list on July 1st, depending on Schneider’s situation.
Players with no-movement clauses on the Rangers roster include J.T. Miller, Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox, Vladislav Gavrikov, and Igor Shesterkin.
The Rangers are also open to acquiring players from teams looking to offload salary, potentially taking on a one-year deal with the aim of flipping them for future assets at the next trade deadline. Possible targets include Ross Colton (Avalanche, one year at $4 million), Evan Rodrigues (Panthers, one year at $3 million), and Brenden Dillon (Devils, one year at $4 million).
