The New York Rangers are in a window to win now.
Despite missing the playoffs in last year's disaster of a season, the expectations remain high in the Big Apple, and with Mike Sullivan now behind the bench, it's time for them to get back to their 2023-24 Presidents' Trophy level.
It's been a bit of a strange start to 2025-26 for the Rangers, going 2-2-0 through their first four games, having been shut out in both losses. You can't take too much from such a small sample size, but what's certain is that superstar goaltender Igor Shesterkin is dialed in; now it's up to the offense to step it up in front of him.
New York has plenty of high-end talent up front, but given their age, should general manager Chris Drury look to provide them a boost without an outside addition? Rob Ellis of NHL Trade Rumors thinks so, and he believes Jason Robertson would be the perfect player to target.
"The Rangers’ core is aging. Key players like J.T. Miller, Mika Zibanejad, and Vincent Trocheck are all 32. While still productive, the window to win a Stanley Cup with this group is narrowing. Compounding this is the situation with Artemi Panarin. The “Breadman” is approaching 34, and while his offensive prowess is undeniable, a long-term, high-value contract carries significant risk. This is where a player like Robertson becomes an intriguing and, frankly, necessary target," Ellis wrote.
"Acquiring a player of Robertson’s caliber won’t be easy. He’s a restricted free agent, and the Dallas Stars will undoubtedly do everything in their power to keep him. However, contract negotiations can be unpredictable, and if talks stall, Drury must be ready to pounce. A potential trade package would be substantial, likely involving a combination of a high-draft pick, a top prospect, and a roster player. But for a team with championship aspirations, the price would be worth it," Ellis added.
With their core getting older, the Rangers need a youth movement. Could Jason Robertson be the answer? What do you think?#NYR #TexasHockey #NHL #nhltraderumorshttps://t.co/jRS1joPc5L
— NHL Trade Rumors (@nhltraderumours) October 12, 2025
The 26-year-old Robertson just began the fourth and final season of the four-year, $31 million contract extension he signed with the Stars back in 2022.
Robertson's future
Jason Robertson would be a hot commodity if he became available, but it's still very much unknown whether that will come to fruition.
The star winger's name surfaced in the rumor mill after Dallas was eliminated by Edmonton yet again in the Western Conference Finals, though we know nothing came of it.
Jim Nill will have his work cut out for him trying to extend Robertson while keeping the Stars under the salary cap, because if he's unable to do it, then the rest of the league will come calling, and the New York Rangers will be among the most aggressive in pursuit.