The New York Rangers may be okay with trading defenseman Braden Schneider for offensive help
Vincent Z. Mercogliano of The Athletic: (mailbag) The idea of the New York Rangers trading defenseman Braden Schneider to the Seattle Kraken for forward Shane Wright isn’t a crazy idea, but the Kraken are believed to be looking for a scoring forward if they move him.
Believe the Rangers would like to move Schneider for offensive help. Have wonder if teams like the Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks would have some interest as could use some help on the blue line. Columbus Blue Jackets Kent Johnson and Calgary Flames Connor Zary are two players that may benefit from a change of scenery.
Get the sense though that Schneider will remain with the team to start the season if GM Chris Drury doesn’t find the right deal. Schneider’s on a one-year deal at $5.5 million and will be an RFA after. He could be a trade deadline candidate if they’re out of the playoff race, or they could explore a deal next offseason.
Will the Montreal Canadiens Re-sign or Trade Arber Xhekaj?
The Calgary Flames may no longer see Arber Xhekaj as a fit
Montreal Gazette: Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj, remains an unsigned RFA. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period said last month that teams have been showing interest, including the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Calgary Flames could be one of Western Conference teams that are interested in the defenseman.
Anthony Di Marco: Sources say that after the Flames acquired defenseman Jake Middleton from the Minnesota Wild in the Blake Coleman trade, they don’t see Xhekaj as a fit anymore. They did have previous interest in him.
Can Dylan Larkin Remain With the Detroit Red Wings Next Season?
The top remaining UFAs
Matt Larkin of Daily Faceoff: A look at the top remaining free agents.
| Rank | Name | Position | Age | 2025-26 Cap Hit |
| 14 | Patrik Laine | RW | 28 | $8,700,000 |
| 19 | Logan Stanley | D | 28 | $1,250,000 |
| 24 | Vladimir Tarasenko | RW | 34 | $4,750,000 |
| 25 | Michael Bunting | LW | 30 | $4,500,000 |
| 26 | Eeli Tolvanen | LW | 27 | $3,475,000 |
| 33 | Cam Talbot | G | 38 | $2,500,000 |
| 34 | John Klingberg | D | 33 | $4,000,000 |
| 37 | Nick Blankenburg | D | 28 | $775,000 |
| 43 | James van Riemsdyk | LW | 37 | $1,000,000 |
| 47 | Connor Ingram | G | 29 | $1,950,000 |
| 49 | David Perron | LW | 38 | $4,000,000 |
| — | Jonathan Drouin | LW | 31 | $4,000,000 |
| — | Adam Henrique | C | 36 | $3,000,000 |
| — | Carson Soucy | D | 31 | $3,250,000 |
| — | James Reimer | G | 38 | $850,000 |
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