New York Rangers weigh draft options, prospects and free‑agent moves

The Rangers enter the 2025 NHL Draft with two first‑round selections, including the fifth overall pick. Analysts suggest they could target play‑making forward Viggo Bjorck or address defensive depth, while the 26th‑overall slot offers prospects such as Jack Hextall, Alexander Command, Elton Hermansson, Nikita Klepov and Mathis Preston, each described as potential contributors to the farm system.

Prospect Liam Greentree, acquired from the Los Angeles Kings in the Artemi Panarin trade, is praised for size and scoring but identified as needing greater consistency and a stronger motor to become a regular NHL impact player. Rangers expect he may start the season in the AHL with Hartford before challenging for a roster spot.

In free agency, New York is reported to be interested in signing former Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine on a low‑risk, one‑year contract worth under $1 million, positioning the deal as a medium‑reward option that would not strain the team's projected cap space of roughly $25 million.