A Rangers superstar is desperately needed. Whether now or later on, it’s abundantly clear that the Rangers can’t win the ultimate prize without a true superstar. Igor Shesterkin is one (as was Henrik Lundqvist), but the goalie can’t do all of the work. A “very good player by committee” approach hasn’t worked either, and the one star the Rangers have actually had, Artemi Panarin, couldn’t raise his game in the playoffs. Adam Fox may be that Rangers superstar, but as a defenseman he’s not that go-to goal scorer in a must win game.
As the search for a Rangers superstar heads into the offseason, I believe these are the top five ways for the team to actually acquire such a player.
5. Connor McDavid
Connor McDavid re-signed with the Edmonton Oilers this past offseason, but the interesting part was that he only latched on for two years. That means if the Oilers are not in the place he wants them to be in two years, McDavid can bolt to a different destination.
Many things are working against the Rangers here. One, McDavid will likely stay. Two, if he doesn’t, there’s no way the Rangers will be the best situation for him to jump to. Three, it does not appear like McDavid is a New York kind of guy. Maybe on the ice, but off the ice, he doesn’t embrace the spotlight.
That being said, McDavid gets a spot on the list because New York is still a popular destination, and the idea of being a Rangers superstar can be popular.
4. Auston Matthews
Auston Matthews will see his contract expire after the 2027-28 season. While he will be on the wrong side of 30, Matthews will still be a superstar at that point, and while I question his big-game ability, he would still be the best player the Rangers have had in decades.
Unlike McDavid, there’s reason to believe Matthews may actually make it to free agency. Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs have had a rocky relationship, and the Maple Leafs seem to be going in the wrong direction.
Additionally, Matthews seems exactly like the type of guy who would love to play on Broadway.
3. Unknown trade candidate – possibly Jason Robertson?
I’ll keep this simple. Any day, we can wake up and find out any player is available. As the Rangers add assets in the retool (rebuild), they could certainly move some of those assets for said player.
The most likely scenario to add a Rangers superstar is Jason Robertson, but you never know who else may become available in the next one or two years.
2. A Rangers superstar can be found at the draft
The Rangers will likely pick in the top five in a very top heavy 2026 NHL Draft. Given the bevy of weaknesses on the roster, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they did the same in the 2027 NHL Draft as well.
With that, the Rangers must come away with at least one star. I’m not talking about a 65-point guy, I’m talking about a 90+ point guy. The Rangers need to hit a home run. This is their best opportunity, though it is dependent on something outside of anyone’s control.
1. Firing Chris Drury
The Rangers getting a superstar outside of the draft depends on Chris Drury losing his job, therefore opening the door for pro scouting and player development to change. Even if a superstar was available, the current Rangers regime would have no idea how to evaluate said player, put together a package for said player, and retain said player.