The Rangers' turnaround has hinged on two trades involving defensemen -- one that swapped Jacob Trouba for Urho Vaakanainen and another that brought in Will Borgen at the expense of Kaapo Kakko. Vaakanainen has largely taken over the third-pairing spot that belonged to Jones previously,

Kaapo Kakko ’s role has dramatically increased since the New York Rangers traded him to the Seattle Kraken. After serving a third-line role in New York while even getting scratched on a few occasions, Kakko is suddenly playing on the Kraken’s first line alongside Matty Beniers and Jaden Schwartz.

Instant chemistry between Kaapo Kakko and Matty Beniers has generated some cautious optimism for the Kraken, with both enjoying productive stretches.

Pretend the Rangers were a real person with a best friend who worried about his perplexing and inconsistent behavior. This is how The Maven sees the fantasy: Friend to Mr. Ranger: "WHAT YOU NEED IS A GOOD SHRINK!" Now Mister Ranger is on the couch, telling the doctor the dozen things that drove him for the cure in the first place:

THROUGH GAMES OF THURSDAY, JAN. 30, 2025

The New York Rangers notebook leads with examining Zac Jones' role as he's set to sit out his 16th straight game.

Will Borgen’s time with the Rangers hasn’t been long, but it appears he’s made a strong impression, as the club has decided to lock him up on a five-year extension.

The New York Rangers face big decisions on several of their defensemen both before and after the March 7 NHL trade deadline.

BORGS ON BROADWAY. #NYR and Will Borgen have agreed to terms on a five-year contract extension. Details: https://t.co/kaqNu9G1Y3 pic.twitter.com/bzlGK0XLGk

Chytil has been centering a line, with wingers Chris Kreider and Arthur Kaliyev, that has looked promising the last few games.

Kaapo Kakko is more admired by Rangers fans now that he moved ... Will Borgen: 'Decline'; Urho Vaakanainen: "Soft." Zac Jones: "Good-bye!"

A player on the market that has some term left and brings a reliable defensive game is Philadelphia Flyer Rasmus Ristolainen. Ristolainen is a big, imposing defenseman who thrives in physical play. He's not afraid to throw hits, clear the crease or engage in battles along the boards.