NHL Trade Rumors: Rangers Linked To 2 Defensemen

Peter Baugh of The Athletic reports that the New York Rangers, after trading Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks and shedding his $8 million cap hit, are positioned to pursue defensive upgrades ahead of the March 7 trade deadline. 

With approximately $22 million in cap space, the Rangers can address their blue line, which currently features inexperienced playoff options like Zac Jones and Victor Mancini, as well as pending unrestricted free agent Ryan Lindgren. 

Baugh identifies Ivan Provorov of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Marcus Pettersson of the Pittsburgh Penguins as two key targets who could provide the experience and reliability the Rangers need.

Perfect attendance: Despite leaving Friday’s game vs. Vancouver, Ivan Provorov is in tonight. Still hasn’t missed a game with the Jackets. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/h8X4221C26

— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) December 8, 2024

Provorov, averaging over 23 minutes per game in his career, brings a strong two-way presence and is among the top defensemen available, though acquiring him could require a first-round pick. 

Pettersson, with his puck-moving ability and defensive dependability, plays more than 22 minutes per game and represents a slightly more affordable option while still offering significant value. 

Both players have cap hits exceeding $4 million, but the Rangers are now well-equipped to absorb those costs. “The Rangers ensured they will have plenty of financial flexibility to make midseason moves,” Baugh notes, as they look to strengthen a defensive corps that lacks postseason-tested depth.

What a power move by elite goal scorer Marcus Pettersson! pic.twitter.com/HOpC5yWqOZ

— Griffin Swanson (@GriffDFS) December 4, 2024

General Manager Chris Drury has additional options, including less expensive alternatives like Alec Martinez of the Chicago Blackhawks or Ian Cole of the Utah Hockey Club, but Baugh suggests Provorov and Pettersson are more likely to provide the high-caliber presence needed for a deep playoff push. 

With ample cap room and a clear path to improve both defensively and offensively, the Rangers are in a strong position to make bold moves, though Baugh cautions, “significant cap space is an advantage, but it’s also not a guarantee” that the ideal players can be acquired without making notable sacrifices.

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images