Danny Wild-Imagn ImagesThere’s one major reason the New York Rangers decided to send their 2025 12th overall pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins and keep their 2026 first-round pick.
Part of the thinking for the Rangers in moving this year's pick is to potentially be able to use their 2026 first-rounder for a move at the trade deadline if they are in a position to contend according to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun.
The Rangers had a choice as part of the conditions of a trade with the Vancouver Canucks involving J.T. Miller to either give up their 2025 or 2026 first-round pick.
Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury has not spoken publicly since making this decision, so it’s unclear exactly where his head is at on this specific choice he made.
It’s clear that he deemed having their 2026 first-round pick is more valuable than keeping the 12th overall pick whether they are competitive during the 2025-26 season or not.
It’s a move that may be frustrating for fans in the short term but could pay dividends for the Rangers in the long term.