Time is running out for Chris drury and the New York Rangers as the 2025 NHL Draft approaches. With just days left before the event, the team faces a pivotal choice that could shape its long-term future: whether to keep this year’s No. 12 overall pick or send it to the Pittsburgh Penguins, opting instead to give up their 2026 first-round selection.
This decision stems from a trade made on January 31 with the Vancouver Canucks. In that deal, the Rangers acquired J.T. Miller and defensemen Erik Brannstrom and Jackson Dorrington in exchange for Filip Chytil, Victor Mancini, and a conditional 2025 first-round pick.
The pick was top-13 protected, meaning if the Rangers ended up with a selection within the top 13, they could defer it to 2026. Following a disappointing season and no lottery luck, the Rangers ended up with the No. 12 pick, triggering the protection clause. Although Vancouver traded the conditional pick to Pittsburgh the next day in a separate move for defenseman Marcus Pettersson, New York maintained control due to the original protection.
Now, the Rangers have until Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET—48 hours before the draft begins—to inform the Penguins of their decision.
A fan poll conducted by Forever Blueshirts showed that 62% of respondents believe the Rangers should keep this year’s No. 12 pick and instead send next year’s unprotected first-rounder to Pittsburgh.
