On Feb. 8, 2018, the New York Rangers finally accepted their fate. The team issued a statement regarding their future as an NHL contender, practically insinuating that the season had been lost and that the organization would be taking steps to rebuild.
The Rangers would go on to follow through with their promise at this year’s trade deadline. The Rangers would sell off Nick Holden, Michael Grabner, Rick Nash, Ryan McDonagh, and J.T. Miller. They would acquire a plethora of prospects, picks, and even a couple of roster players.