Here are the key storylines for the New York Rangers as the NHL prepares to resume following the 2026 Olympic break and their upcoming schedule. The team is currently navigating a “retool” that has seen franchise icons depart and stars sidelined with injuries.
The Panarin Era Is Over
The biggest shock of the month remains the trade of superstar Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings. As part of general manager Chris Drury’s roster “retool,” Panarin was moved for prospect Liam Greentree and multiple 2026 draft picks. Fans and analysts are still debating the return, with many feeling the Rangers received “pennies on the dollar” for their leading scorer.
Injury & Return Updates
Igor Shesterkin and Adam Fox: There is a glimmer of hope as both superstars have been skating during the Olympic break. Their return is expected “in the near future,” which would provide much-needed stability to a defense that has struggled significantly.
Matt Rempe: The fan favorite has been placed back on Injured Reserve (IR). He is undergoing a second procedure on his thumb (injured earlier this season in a fight with Ryan Reaves) and is expected to miss several weeks, if not the remainder of the season.
Jonathan Quick: The veteran goalie caused a minor scare by leaving practice early on Feb. 21 with a lower-body injury, though the team currently describes it as “precautionary.”
Trade Deadline Fever
With the March 6 trade deadline looming, rumors are swirling around Vincent Trocheck and Braden Schneider. After moving Carson Soucy to the New York Islanders and Panarin to the Kings, the Rangers are firmly in “seller” mode, sitting last in the Metropolitan Division.
Heavy Underdogs
The Rangers face a grueling return to action with a heavy homestand at Madison Square Garden. The outlook is challenging: without Panarin’s elite scoring and with Shesterkin still working back to 100%, the Rangers are underdogs.
Rangers Upcoming Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time (EST) | Location |
| Feb 26 (Thu) | Philadelphia Flyers | 8:00 PM | Madison Square Garden |
| Feb 28 (Sat) | Pittsburgh Penguins | 12:30 PM | Madison Square Garden |
| Mar 2 (Mon) | Columbus Blue Jackets | 7:00 PM | Madison Square Garden |
| Mar 5 (Thu) | Toronto Maple Leafs | 7:00 PM | Madison Square Garden |
| Mar 7 (Sat) | New Jersey Devils | 3:00 PM | Prudential Center |
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