In what is being hailed as one of the boldest offseason moves in recent franchise history, the Rangers have officially confirmed the blockbuster acquisition of 24-year-old star winger Lucas Drayden, a $19 million talent known league-wide for his rare combination of speed, power, and elite scoring ability.
Drayden, who had previously starred for the Los Angeles Kings, arrives in New York via a high-profile trade finalized late Friday night. The deal includes a package of draft picks and two prospects and signals that the Rangers are going all-in on their Stanley Cup aspirations in 2025–26.
“Lucas is one of the most physically gifted and dynamic players in the NHL,” said Rangers GM Chris Drury in the official announcement. “He’s still just scratching the surface of what he can become—and we believe he’ll thrive in the heart of Broadway.”
Drayden, who signed a $19 million extension with L.A. just last year, will bring explosive offense and size to the Rangers’ top six. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 215 pounds, he tallied 34 goals and 41 assists last season, while also ranking among league leaders in takeaways and zone entries. His aggressive forechecking and physical edge will be a perfect fit alongside New York’s high-octane style.
Fans and analysts alike are celebrating the move, with many calling it a “game-changer” for a roster that already features cornerstone talents like Artemi Panarin, Adam Fox, Igor Shesterkin, and Mika Zibanejad.
“This is the kind of swing championship teams take,” said NHL Network analyst Kevin Weekes. “Drayden is a beast—he changes the way teams defend the Rangers. This is a Cup-caliber move.”
Drayden is expected to debut with the Rangers at the start of training camp this fall. Early reports indicate he will skate on a line with Panarin and Filip Chytil, giving New York one of the most formidable forward groups in the Eastern Conference.
With this bold move, the message from the front office is loud and clear: the time to win is now—and the Rangers just got a lot closer.
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