3 Rangers Players Who Won’t Be Back Next Season

The New York Rangers are a very strong team that bolstered their lineup at the trade deadline. The big acquisitions came because of injuries to some key players, so everyone won't be able to fit in the lineup next season. That being said, the Rangers have a good lineup and these players probably won't be back with the team in 2024-25.

Alex Wennberg

Alex Wennberg was picked up from the Seattle Kraken at the deadline to fill the third line center role. He should be a strong addition for them and is a good middle-six centerman, but there just won't be room for him next season with Filip Chytil coming back from injury and both Mika Zibanejad and Vincent Trocheck as the top two centers. At his age, Wennberg is going to be looking for term on his deal and the Rangers just won't be able to give him what he'll be asking for. He is a pure rental for them.

Blake Wheeler

Blake Wheeler is getting up there in age and will be 38 before next season. While there may be a slight chance he re-signs with the Rangers on another very cheap deal to play in the bottom-six, it is more likely the team stick with newly acquired Jack Roslovic who is fitting in nicely. Wheeler dropped off a fair bit offensively from last season, so New York might see that as a sign he could do so again. He is a UFA after the season and at his age, he could even retire.

Erik Gustafsson

The top-five defensemen on the Rangers are set and a couple of them are up for contract extensions in the offseason. This will be the priority and more money will be allocated to them. If the Rangers are thinking about keeping Erik Gustafsson around, it would be in place of Zachary Jones once again. Maybe the team gets someone who is better suited to potentially sit out over half the season and give Jones a chance instead. Gustafsson will be wanting a raise as he is second among defensemen on the team in points. I don't think the Rangers will be jumping to give him more money when they are strapped for cap and have a lot of contracts to deal with.