With the trade deadline looming, Rangers fans continue to speculate about the possible trades the team can make in order to make a run for the Stanley Cup this spring. A lot of names have been thrown around by fans, as the team has some pieces that could generate a large return. But what are the Rangers missing, and what improvements need to be made in order for the team to make a push for the cup? 

The main issue for the Rangers at the moment is a lack of production from the bottom six forwards, meaning the third and fourth lines. Neither of these lines have been set in stone throughout the season, as players have been filling roles within those lines on a game-by-game basis. Alexis Lafrenière and Barclay Goodrow have jumped from line to line, and both are always playing with a different set of teammates. This hasn’t necessarily led to any negative outcomes, but a consistent bottom six forward might boost production. 

There is an abundance of bottom six forwards that could potentially be available for the Rangers to consider, and maybe make a move on before the trade deadline. Among those is Jake DeBrusk of the Boston Bruins, who requested a trade at the beginning of the season. With 15 points in 40 games, he could use a change of scenery. Debrusk’s inconsistency, though, could be a reason the Rangers would stay away from him. 

Another bottom six trade candidate would be the Vegas Golden Knights’ right winger Reilly Smith. With 32 points in 46 games, Smith could slot in at right wing for the Rangers’ third line and provide some consistency in terms of scoring. Vegas would be looking to get rid of his salary cap hit, after acquiring Jack Eichel and his monstrous contract from the Buffalo Sabres earlier this season. 

The Rangers defense has been solid, but the bottom pair has seen change after change throughout the season. This inconsistency is evident from the six different defensemen that have filled the pair this season. Adam Fox and Ryan Lindgren have excelled at the top and the Jacob Trouba-K’Andre Miller pair has been improving all season, but the third pair is difficult to pin down. If the Rangers decide to make a move for a defenseman, some of the team’s current defensive prospects could be pieces they decide to move in order to get a big return. 

In a defensive move, the Rangers could decide to trade for Jakob Chychrun, who comes off a Norris Trophy-caliber season with 41 points in 56 games for the Arizona Coyotes just a year ago. At 23-years-old, he has already made a name for himself throughout the league, and the trade would benefit the Coyotes with a return of prospects to fuel their rebuild.

A more consistent third defensive pair could be the key for the Rangers, and it’s already shaping up. The Blueshirts’ prospect Braden Schneider came in hot, and has continued to prove that he belongs in the NHL. If the Rangers are able to bring in Chychrun or another proven defenseman, the production of the third pair would be interesting to watch. 

Goaltending has not been an issue for the Rangers, as Igor Shesterkin remains among the top goalies in the league this season. His backup, Alexandar Georgiev, has not been particularly solid, but he will most likely remain on the Rangers after the trade deadline. There are plenty of goalie prospects in the Rangers’ organization, but Georgiev will probably stay at least until the offseason, meaning he’ll back up Shesterkin throughout a possible playoff run. 

The trade deadline is March 21, meaning teams have well over a month to make their decisions. The Rangers will undoubtedly make moves in order to prime the team for a Stanley Cup run.