NHL Trade Rumors: Rangers & Predators Linked To Significant Deal
According to Vince Mercogliano of Lohud, the Rangers have over $15 million in cap space and are looking for long-term additions rather than short-term rentals. O’Reilly, who has two years left on his deal at a $4.5 million AAV, remains a reliable two-way center and a strong presence in the faceoff circle.
He would provide leadership and defensive stability down the middle, but acquiring him would come at a cost.
The Nashville Predators are expected to move the 33-year-old, with other teams, including the New Jersey Devils and Utah Hockey Club, also showing interest.
Other center options named:
— Phil Kocher (@PhilKocher) February 27, 2025
Ryan McLeod — "I've heard him come up."
Scott Laughton — "I heard #NYR poked around on him last year."
Ryan O'Reilly — "There's some appeal there but you continue to get older."
While O’Reilly addresses a need, Mercogliano points out that it’s another move that keeps the Rangers old.
The team already relies on veterans like Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, and Vincent Trocheck, and prioritizing another aging player could limit opportunities for younger talent like Brennan Othmann and Brett Berard.
“It’s another short-term move for a team that’s already aging,” Mercogliano wrote. With pending UFAs such as Ryan Lindgren, Reilly Smith, and Jimmy Vesey expected to be on the move, the Rangers are trying to balance competing now with still building a strong group of prospects/picks.
Their depleted prospect pool and recent history of trading away draft picks make giving up another asset a difficult decision.
Chris Drury wants Ryan O’Reilly
— LAMB (@lamb_rules) February 27, 2025
WE NEED SETH JONES AND DEFENSE 😤😤😤😤😤#NYR
The team’s inconsistent play leaves its playoff position uncertain, and its direction could shift in the coming weeks.
Beyond O’Reilly, the Rangers have other needs, particularly on defense, with names like Jamie Oleksiak and Carson Soucy mentioned as potential targets.
“This team is too talented to bottom out,” Mercogliano noted, but whether this approach is sustainable remains a major question.
Photo Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
