NHL Rumors: Predators, Blue Jackets, Panthers, and Rangers Insights

Reports indicate that the Nashville Predators are actively engaged in their search for a new general manager, having reportedly reached out to numerous individuals, including multiple discussions with some candidates. Among those believed to have been contacted are Marc Bergevin and Panthers Assistant GM Brett Peterson, along with potential agents. A refined list of candidates is expected to emerge in the coming week.

Regarding the Columbus Blue Jackets, General Manager Don Waddell has stated his intention to speak with Rick Bowness following the season. Waddell conveyed a sense of calm about the situation, noting, "We’re the only two people who aren’t worried about it."

In Florida, discussions around goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky's contract reportedly involved using Brad Marchand’s six-year, $5.25 million cap hit as a comparable deal, but the Panthers were not willing to match such terms.

New York Rangers' Offseason Retooling Strategy

The New York Rangers are anticipating a substantial offseason retool, with nearly $27.5 million in projected cap space available. This figure accounts for 19 players, though not all are guaranteed to return. Players such as Jaroslav Chmelař, Juuso Pärssinen, or Urho Vaakanainen are not considered locks for the team, and even Vincent Trocheck could potentially be part of a trade.

A primary offseason objective for the Rangers will be to find the most advantageous trade offer for Trocheck. General Manager Chris Drury has reportedly been seeking a forward with top-six potential as part of any trade package. Drury's strategy still leans towards a retool, prioritizing players who are either NHL-ready or very close to it.

Before the trade deadline, teams like the Minnesota Wild, Carolina Hurricanes, and Boston Bruins were reluctant to part with roster players. However, the offseason presents more opportunities for such moves. Drury aims to position Trocheck as a top-line center, though other teams might view him as a second-line option, with a potential shift to a third-line role by the end of his contract in 2029.

Defenseman Braden Schneider, a pending Restricted Free Agent (RFA), is considered an offseason trade candidate. The team will also continue to gauge the market for Alexis Lafreniere. Both Schneider and Lafreniere are 24 years old. Depending on the outcome with Schneider, the Rangers might also explore moving Will Borgen, whose full no-trade clause converts to a 15-team no-trade list on July 1st.

Key players J.T. Miller, Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox, Vladislav Gavrikov, and Igor Shesterkin all hold no-movement clauses, limiting their trade flexibility.

The Rangers could also be open to acquiring players on short-term deals from teams looking to shed salary, potentially taking on an extra asset in the process. Such players, if on a one-year deal, could then be traded at next year’s deadline for another asset. Potential targets mentioned in this scenario include Ross Colton (Avalanche, one year at $4 million), Evan Rodrigues (Panthers, one year at $3 million), and Brenden Dillon (Devils, one year at $4 million).