New York Rangers' Top 3 Trade Candidates At 2024 Deadline

The New York Rangers are who many would consider one of the legitimate Stanley Cup contenders this season, but they need to make trade deadline additions. This may just entail adding some cheap players, but if they want to make a real splash, some players will have to be moved out. The Rangers can't waste their opportunity and aren't likely to, so let's take a look at the top three trade candidates they have ahead of the deadline.

Kaapo Kakko

Kaapo Kakko is starting to reach the age and has enough NHL experience that he should be showing positive strides. We thought that he was starting to break out last season when he scored 18 goals and 40 points, but he has taken a big step back with only seven goals and 11 points in 40 games. The Rangers have other young players with more promise at this point and before it's too late, Kakko could be used as a trade chip to get what the team needs for a playoff run. Kakko doesn't seem to be that piece.

Zachary Jones

If the Rangers try to make an addition and it requires them to move a young player from their roster, they may very well choose to offer Zachary Jones. He was given some opportunity last season, but it has been limited in 2023-24. As a 23-year-old defenseman, it is possible that he just hasn't hit his stride yet and could use a change in scenery. It appears as though he needs a fresh start where he can get a better opportunity to succeed.

Barclay Goodrow

The Rangers aren't thrilled about having a $3.6 million AAV player on the fourth line, and that's exactly what the team has in Barclay Goodrow. He has been a tough signing for the team and still has three more years left on his deal, but the Rangers could really use the cap space in the future. They may need it this season to make a necessary big upgrade as there isn't a ton freed up by Filip Chytil and Blake Wheeler being on the LTIR. Even if the Rangers could make a lateral move and get the Goodrow contract off their hands, it would benefit them a lot.