February 6, 2024 | 10:35pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

RANGERS HOLDING ON TO 2024 FIRST-ROUND PICK

Rangers GM Chris Drury

The New York Rangers are scouring the NHL and GM Chris Drury is looking to make an addition or two ahead of the March 8 trade deadline.

As previously reported, the Rangers are willing to part with 2019 second-overall draft pick Kaapo Kakko, among other assets, to upgrade their team this season. However, one piece they do not plan on moving is their 2024 first-round pick.

During Tuesday’s “Insider Trading” segment on TSN, Darren Dreger reported the Rangers are holding on to the pick at the orders of club owner James Dolan.

“James Dolan, the owner of the New York Rangers, wants to protect the 2024 first-round pick so that the Rangers can be part of the spotlight at the draft and The Sphere,” Dreger said. “Because Dolan is also the owner of The Sphere in Vegas. Doesn’t mean that Chris Drury can’t use another first-round pick – maybe in 2025 or acquire one. But the Rangers want to be part of the spectacle in Vegas.”

The Rangers tried to acquire Elias Lindholm from the Calgary Flames before he was traded to the Vancouver Canucks and are also interested in Adam Henrique of the Anaheim Ducks, among others.

Drury wants to upgrade his club at the centre position, but is also looking for a top-six forward who can shift to the wing.

The Rangers have just over $4.47 million in salary cap space to use at their disposal from cap LTIR overage space and do not appear afraid to fill it if the right deals present themselves.