5 Defensive Trade Targets to Add Grit to Rangers’ Blue Line
By Tom Castro | Updated: June 2, 2025
The New York Rangers are expected to bulk up their roster this offseason, and that effort likely begins on the defensive end.
The team could benefit from adding a physical left-shot defenseman to its top four. Even if restricted free agent K’Andre Miller is retained, his game—while promising—lacks the edge and toughness the Rangers need on their back end. If Miller is traded, the need for one or even two rugged blueliners becomes even more pressing.
With around $8.4 million in cap space and several RFAs to re-sign, general manager Chris Drury would need to manage the cap carefully. Still, here are five players who could be solid trade options.
1. Darnell Nurse – Edmonton Oilers
Nurse is the most ambitious option. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound veteran plays with edge and has offensive upside, hitting at least 32 points in seven straight seasons. He consistently ranks positively in expected goal share and has a +85 plus/minus since 2020-21.
His $9.25 million AAV for five more years makes this a complicated financial fit, but the Oilers might consider moving him to clear cap space for a Connor McDavid extension. If the Rangers shed a major contract—like Artemi Panarin’s $11.6 million hit expiring next year—they might be able to make this work. While unlikely, Nurse would bring exactly the physicality New York craves.
2. Jamie Oleksiak – Seattle Kraken
At 6-foot-7 and 252 pounds, Oleksiak offers immense physical presence. While not a top-pairing option, he’d be a strong addition to the second or third pair. Known for his toughness and ability to defend hard areas, the 13-year vet has one year left at a $4.6 million cap hit.
Given past trade history with Seattle (Will Borgen), another deal could be in the cards. He’s not a long-term fix but would instantly raise the team’s toughness.
3. Luke Schenn – Winnipeg Jets
A grizzled 35-year-old veteran and two-time Stanley Cup champ, Schenn led the NHL in hits during the 2024–25 season, totaling 300. He’s a reliable depth defender who adds leadership and grit.
With a $2.75 million cap hit and one year left on his deal, Schenn is an affordable stopgap. The Jets may look to move him due to other pressing contract priorities like Nikolaj Ehlers and Gabriel Vilardi.
4. Ben Chiarot – Detroit Red Wings
Chiarot is the kind of old-school, hard-nosed defender who doesn’t back down from anyone. At 6-foot-4 and 224 pounds, he plays a tough game but lacks strong possession numbers and tends to struggle with advanced metrics.
His $4.75 million cap hit (one year remaining) might require salary retention from Detroit, but he could add valuable snarl on the third pair. The Red Wings could be motivated to offload his salary as they reshape their roster.
5. Radko Gudas – Anaheim Ducks
Nicknamed “The Butcher,” Gudas brings relentless physicality and a reputation that forces opponents to keep their heads up. Though formerly a repeat offender, he’s played a cleaner game in recent years.
In 2024–25, Gudas posted 261 hits and 178 blocks, anchoring a weak Ducks defense. His one year at $4 million is manageable, and Anaheim—currently rebuilding—might entertain offers, even though Gudas is their captain. A salary retention agreement could help seal a deal, though his limited no-trade clause would need to be addressed.
In all, these five players offer a range of short-term and longer-term solutions to toughen up the Rangers’ defense. Whether it’s a big swing for Nurse or a lower-cost veteran like Schenn or Gudas, Drury has options—if he can make the money work.
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