Greetings and salutations everyone and welcome to another blog here on BlueCollarBlueShirts.com. At least no-disclosure agreements (NDA’s) are extremely popular in Hollywood.
And if you want to repeatedly cheat on your pregnant spouse?
Then where better than Tinseltown?
Ugh.
By now, and you already know the news – and as first reported by one of the elite in NFL reporting, Adam Schefter, and his fellow ESPN cohort too, Emily Kaplan:
Artemi Panarin’s near seven-year tenure with the Rangers is now complete.
In exchange for “The Breadman’s” services, now in La La Land, and the Los Angeles Kings sent back to Chris Drury their alleged top prospect, Liam Greentree, and a conditional third-round pick of the upcoming 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
That’s it.
One more time – that’s it.
While we’ll get into all of the particulars below; but seriously – is Mr. ZOOM ZOOM, The Little League World Champion but a Big League bust as an NHL executive – one of those special Make-A-Wish kids – and where his wish, now granted nearly five-years ago, to become the head-honcho of the New York Rangers, ever-lasting?
Yes, I do tend to exaggerate and make bad jokes for effect, but I’m dead-serious when I say this:
In all my years, now nearly forty-four of them – and I can’t ever remember a time in my Ranger fandom – up-and-down, left-and-right, and even diagonally too – where everyone associated with this franchise to not only be as unlikable as this one – but just purely as detestable too.
I’m also speaking from my heart when I say this:
I’ve never been more embarrassed to be a Ranger fan than as I am today.
And if you know me, and like how my friends and family do, my fellow patrons at my favorite local watering hole do, my co-workers, my mailman, my proctologist (Drury should get one and then have his head removed from his ass), and as everyone else in my life knows – and I bleed blue on a 24/7 basis.
You won’t find me out of my house without a Rangers’ hat on – and hell – I even wear a Ranger hat in the house too – to go along with my fart-filled, and officially licensed at that too, Blueshirts’ brown-out underwear!
(NOW ON SALE AT FANATICS FOR THE LOW LOW LOW PRICE OF $139.99!)
Ah, but such poor jokes don’t hit as they used to anymore.
Not during times like these.
As I continue this preamble, then I could do the I told you so act – because after all, and I must’ve said “The 2024 Eastern Conference Final loss to the Florida Panthers will go down as the peak of this core/era – and where they’ll never get back to this point with this group ever again” about 678679834673784678962347982647986237 zillion times on this site ever since the Cats took down the Rangers in six-games – but even so – and especially with Drury still employed by a one Mr. James Dolan – and there’s just nothing to like about this team, its future, its management, its ticket prices – NOTHING. NADA. ZILCH. ZERO.
Sure, and as I digress and ramble while in my state of all-out frustration – there is some promising talent out there like Noah Laba and Gabe Perreault – but, and nothing against those two – then when you’re hanging your hat on that duo – then that’s how low you’ve fallen – but at least you’re not as low as the Rangers are – an Original Six club celebrating their centennial campaign – and their third Dark Age in franchise history too.
(Holy run-on sentence Batman – but it just speaks to my level of pure ire!)
Another thought on my mind, and about from a trillion of them?
Then that untimely and sad death of Larry Brooks is really hitting every Ranger fan right now – and especially since we now know that Dolan relied on Larry for advice.
If Brooks was kickin’ today, then he’d be telling Guitar Jimmy, “DID. YOU. SEE. WHAT. CHRIS. DID?”
For the dissenters, who may point out that Brooks was also a Drury company man during the last years of his life?
(And these people wouldn’t be wrong about this either.)
Brooks also knew when to jump off a sinking ship.
There’s a lot to get into tonight, and where of course, the trade of Panarin is our top story.
Before dissecting every piece of minutiae from the deal, then here was my live reaction when first reading the news:
What lmao #nyr https://t.co/bmLLMF87zP
— BlueCollarBlueShirts (@NYCTheMiC) February 4, 2026
As we proceed, then following ESPN’s report, and both teams made the news official.
Here’s what the Rangers said about the one-sided deal (and not in their favor), courtesy of https://www.nhl.com/rangers/news/rangers-acquire-liam-greentree-conditional-third-round-pick-and-conditional-fourth-round-pick-in-exchange-for-artemi-panarin:
New York Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury announced today that the team has acquired forward Liam Greentree, a conditional third-round pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2028 NHL Entry Draft from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for forward Artemi Panarin.
Greentree, 20, has collected 23 goals and 22 assists for 45 points in 34 games this season for the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Among all Spitfires skaters this season, he ranks third in goals, fourth in points and fifth in assists.
The Oshawa, Ontario native has played for Windsor for the last four seasons (2022- 23 to present), recording 299 points (133G-166A) in 223 OHL games. He has served as captain for the Spitfires for the last three seasons. Last season, Greentree ranked third among all OHL skaters in points (119), fourth in goals (49) and fifth in assists (70). He has also appeared in 15 postseason games with the Spitfires, tallying 14 goals and 11 assists for 25 points.
Internationally, the 6-2, 207 pound forward has represented Team Canada at multiple tournaments, including the World Junior Championships in 2026 and the U18 Championships.
Greentree was originally selected by the Kings in the first round, 26th overall, of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.
From the other side of things, then here’s what the 2014 Stanley Cup champions had to say, courtesy of https://www.nhl.com/kings/news/la-kings-acquire-artemi-panarin-from-new-york-rangers:
The LA Kings have acquired forward Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers in exchange for forward Liam Greentree, a conditional third round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and a conditional fourth round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft. The Rangers retain 50% of Panarin’s contract through the 2025-26 season.
In addition, Panarin agreed to terms on a two-year contract worth an average annual value (AAV) of $11,000,000 through the 2027-28 season.
Panarin, 34, has skated in 52 games for the Rangers this season, recording 19 goals and 38 assists as part of his 11th consecutive 50-point campaign (19-38=57) with 17 even-strength goals, three game-winning goals, two power-play goals, 158 shots and 14 penalty minutes (PIM). His 38 helpers, 57 points and 158 shots pace all Rangers skaters while his 19 goals rank second-most on the team. Panarin completed his sixth season with the Rangers in 2024-25, collecting 37 goals and 52 assists for 89 points (37-52=89) to mark his fifth 80-point season with the team and seventh of his career.
An NHL All-Star in 2023, Panarin joins the Kings as a veteran of 804 career regular-season NHL games across 11 seasons between the Rangers (2019-26), Columbus Blue Jackets (2017-19) and Chicago Blackhawks (2015-17). The 6-0, 175-pound forward has accumulated 321 goals and 606 assists for 927 points (321-606=927) with 77 power-play goals, 50 game-winning goals, 10 overtime goals, a 1.15 points-per-game average and cumulative +131 rating. Panarin is one of 10 active skaters with a point-per-game average over 1.00 while skating in at least 800 contests, ranking fifth-highest among that group, and is the only active undrafted skater with at least 300 goals. He has added 21 goals and 61 points (21-40=61) in 73 career Stanley Cup Playoff contests
Since joining the Rangers ahead of the 2019-20 season, Panarin’s 205 goals, 402 assists, 607 points (205-402=607), 158 even-strength goals, 404 even-strength points and 202 power-play points pace all Rangers skaters while ranking second in overtime goals (3) and shots (1,394), and third in power-play goals (47) and overtime goals (25). Among team forwards in that span, Panarin’s even-strength time-on-ice per game (TOI/GP; 16:27) and power-play TOI/GP (3:28) both lead the team while his takeaways (243) and penalties drawn (104) each place second.
The Korkino, Russia native’s debut NHL season came in 2015-16 with Chicago where he led all League rookies in goals (30), assists (47), points (77), even-strength goals (22) and game-winning goals (7) in 80 games to earn the Calder Memorial Trophy as well as NHL All-Rookie Team honors. He made his Stanley Cup Playoff debut that same season, tallying two goals and seven points (2-5=7) in seven contests. Panarin’s best NHL season came in the 2023-24 campaign where he was one of four skaters in the League to eclipse the 120-point mark, setting career-marks in goals (37), assists (52), points (120) in 82 games to lead the Rangers to their fourth President’s Trophy in franchise history.
Internationally, Panarin has represented Russia in five different tournaments, including three International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Men’s World Championships (2017 – bronze, 2016 – bronze, 2015 – silver), one IIHF Men’s World Junior Championship (2011 – gold) and one World Cup of Hockey (2017). His best international performance was in the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship where he tallied a tournament-best 13 assists and 17 points (4-13=17) in nine games to earn the tournament’s All-Star Team and ‘Best Forward’ honors.
As you can see – and the Kings were much more forthcoming and detailed in their press release than the Rangers were – but that comes as no surprise either – as the worst captain in franchise history, now the team president and general manager, never puts much effort into these things.
There’s a lot to take in here, so let me bullet-point all the pertinent information that you need to know, then get into the build-up of everything as well:
— The Rangers are retaining half of Panarin’s hefty cap-hit ($11.67M) for the remainder of the season, as this was the only way that this trade with Los Angeles would work.
— Following the deal, and Panarin then signed a two-year extension worth $11M per season ($22M in total) with the Kings.
— In regards to the conditional third-round pick that the Rangers received, then if the Kings win one playoff round this year, then this 2026 third-rounder becomes a second-round selection.
— Furthermore, should the Kings fail to reach the second-round (they haven’t reached a second-round since that dreadful 2014 year), then the pick that the Rangers receive will be their better pick of the two third-round picks that they presently have in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
— Last but not least, if the Kings win two playoff rounds this year, then the Rangers will also receive a fourth-round pick – albeit in the 2028 NHL Entry Draft.
All of these conditions?
And not one first-rounder was included.
As noted up top – then the notion of trading Panarin was understandable.
After all, then Panarin and his agent, Paul Theofanous, had previously rebuffed several Drury contract extension offers earlier this season.
According to all reports, and no pun intended either – and “The Breadman” wanted “Dolan’s Dough.”
Approaching 35-years-old and while an excellent regular season player, but a perennial playoff dud – and Drury was hoping that Panarin would take a hometown discount – and where ironically enough – as his new teammate in L.A., Anze Kopitar, recently did.
More ironic than that?
While Kopitar, the Kings’ captain, is a center – then Panarin was extended by L.A. for one reason – because Kopitar is retiring at the end of this season.
Panarin said “NYET” to all Ranger offers that were presented to him at the start of this season – and despite Drury, Dolan and others involved with M$G and the Rangers covering up his sexual assault allegations from two-years ago, which then got brought to the light at the end of last season by The Athletic.
Apparently, helping to erase a Russian rapist allegation doesn’t create loyalty these days anymore!
What’s most maddening about this trade, and of course, from the Blueshirts’ end of things, is the fact that Panarin wanted a four- or five-year deal at around a $11M-$13M annual salary (due to the cap exponentially going up next season) and in turn – settled for only two-years at $11M per with his new suitors.
And it’s not like Panarin’s new deal will get him any tax breaks either – as living in Los Angeles is just as expensive as living in New York City.
In other words, then had Panarin taken less money from a Florida, from a Tampa, from a Dallas, from a Nashville or from another franchise that plays in a no state income tax city – then you’d get it.
So in turn, then why did Panarin rebuff Drury’s repeated offers, then only to accept a lesser situation in Los Angeles?
Only he can answer that – and where we probably won’t hear from him until after the Olympic break too.
Furthermore?
Then while we all knew that Panarin only wanted to move once (ergo, he didn’t want to be a rental, nor enter free agency either), but for the man chasing the money – then had he decided to chase his last big bag this summer – and he would’ve received a much more lucrative deal elsewhere than what he got here.
According to a bevy of accredited reporters (the ones in Canada – as after all – and the Blueshirts’ birdbrain beat don’t break any stories – and how hilarious was it that an NFL insider broke this deal too?), and Panarin had much larger offers presented to him by the likes of Washington (potential successor to Alex Ovechkin), Seattle (they’ve never had a true scoring threat), San Jose (GM Mike Grier is Drury’s buddy – and Drury’s old roommate was hoping to hook up Macklin Celebrini with Panarin), Anaheim (only on a “rental tryout” – and where had it worked – then perhaps an extension could have been reached), Detroit (rental) and the Islanders (how serious they were isn’t truly known – and while Drury did deal Carson Soucy there – then he’d never hear the end of it had Panarin wound up with the Blueshirts’ biggest rival).
As these reports stated (mainly from Elliotte Friedman, Pierre Lebrun and Darren Dreger) – and not only was the money bigger in these locales than what Panarin ultimately accepted – but he also had four- and five-year deals sent his way too.
However, and as Drury would later go on to say (another one of his glorious glory hole ZOOM calls is recapped for you below) – and Panarin, when exercising the full power of his no movement clause, basically told him, “Los Angeles or Nowhere.”
For fans of the Kings – then those words are music to their ears.
For Ranger fans?
The sound of sorrow.
I learnt three things a long time ago, and hopefully, many of you guys and gals have also learned these lessons too:
One, never believe whatever mock trade that you see out there.
As names such as Anton Lundell, Will Smith, Will Eklund, Ryan Leonard, Igor Chernyshov and many other promising NHL ready players/studs were being bantered about – and instead – all Drury got was a conditional third-round pick and a prospect that’s yet to play an NHL game.
Two, these no movement clauses are the death of the sport.
Prior to Drury saying it (Panarin has yet to say a word about it – and we’ll see if it comes up once he’s officially introduced by the silver-and-black attack), and it was also reported by all the top Canadian insiders that Panarin only wanted L.A.
Panarin, or at least his agent, also informed Kings’ GM, Ken Holland, of the same fact.
In turn, Drury was in a position of weakness – but also a position that he created himself with all of the dumbass shit and stunts that he’s pulled over the past two-years.
Despite better offers elsewhere and Panarin had a one-track mind – The Los Angeles Kings.
Panarin could’ve done Drury a favor on the way out, and in turn, created a bidding war; but Panarin, after watching his friends get stabbed in the back by his boss, and repeatedly at that, didn’t owe Drury a thing.
I’m also sure (this is my opinion and not a fact) that Panarin was feeling pretty burnt about Drury telling him that he’d be the first big name to go – and where after reading what Drury said after this deal – he may be the only big name to go – which is perhaps the saddest reality of them all!
That said – and Drury did have options.
After all, he didn’t have to make this trade ahead of the Olympic NHL roster freeze – as he could’ve waited until the 3PM hour of March 6th – this year’s trade deadline.
Perhaps with more time afforded, which in theory, could’ve thawed relations; then not only would Panarin change his mind about where he wanted to go – but maybe Drury and Panarin could’ve hammered out a two-year deal themselves.
Then again, and when talking about a potential Panarin and Drury accord – and that bridge was already burnt.
The fact of the matter is that Panarin had full control over his future and in turn, then if Drury wanted anything back for his greatest asset, then his counterpart in L.A., Holland, could’ve just sent him “future considerations” and that would be that.
While I understand Panarin’s position and say in all of this, and how he owes none of us anything; but even so – and it would’ve been nice to see him show some loyalty to the men and organization that has repeatedly protected him over-and-over again – and not only with his recent sexual assault allegation cover-up – but by trading players for him to play with, standing by him during the whole Russian allegation ordeal and by even releasing a damning statement to George Parros after the whole Tom Wilson fiasco from May of 2021.
The third teaching?
Then never put much weight into any prospect report – which is why I’m not giving you all of Liam Greentree’s vitals and stats.
After all, then previous to Kakko, Lafreniere, Chytil, Andersson, Kravtsov, Othmann and the other busts in franchise history, and I lived through Pavel Brendl, Jamie Lundmark, Hugh Jessiman, Michael Sauer, Dylan McIlrath and the list goes on-and-on.
Simply stated?
Then I need to see how these guys do at the NHL level – as whatever they do at the collegiate or minor league levels, never translates in New York.
Prove me wrong Greentree.
There were about 67834786334798346798 reactions to this trade from Rangerstown, USA residents – and where as you’d expect – not one of them was positive.
From a Kings’ side of things?
Then the only thing that I could conjure up, outside of wondering if Jonathan Quick said anything to Panarin prior to this, was how long before we see Will Ferrell at a Kings’ game dressed in a bread suit?
You know it’s coming.
I found one of Stan Fischler’s regular contributors, Rich Isaak, and his reaction to the deal similar to mine:
“It is just the inevitable march of time that catches up to all athletes. It has been reported that Drury tried to sign Panarin to a contract structured similarly to Anze Kopitar’s contract with the Kings and Panarin said nyet.
“My guess is that what Drury really wanted long-term was to sign Panarin to a one-year high dollar contract and then transition him to an “over 35” contract that is also 1 year in length, but allows teams to pay performance bonuses to the player that can be added to the team’s next season’s cap hit.
“Some of those bonuses could have been the ‘easily achievable’ kind too. This is exactly the type of contract his friend Patrick Kane has in Detroit. Clearly, Panarin and his agent weren’t willing to do that.”
Ron Duguay, another #10 in franchise history, said the following about the deal:
“Panarin being traded leaves the Rangers in a big set back. I understand why they had to trade him. It appears Panarin was more interested in the money vs continuing to be a Ranger.
“Leaving good teammates & the life on Broadway?!?!? To each his own when it comes to priorities.
“Now the Rangers will need to sign a top 6 forward as a free agent in the off-season & let’s not forget they may qualify for the number 1 pick in this year’s draft.
“Sad to see Panarin go He looked good wearing #10.”
What Duguay may not be aware of is that the Free Agent Class of 2026 is as shallow as Drury’s brain.
In turn, then there is no free agent out there that can come close to replacing Panarin’s offensive production.
Perhaps something can be acquired via a trade, but what superstar in their right mind is going to force a trade here?
New York City, formerly one of the top destinations among all NHL players, is no longer that.
One reader, Dale Fern, said the following to me:
“It’s the early 2000’s all over again for this fan base. You wrote a series of books about the history of Rangers trades and this has to be up there near the top of the worst ones this team has made.”
While this trade will most likely become that – one of the worst trades in franchise history (albeit with an asterisk explaining the NMC, his pending UFA status, etc); but, and to be fair – then while this trade reeks of pure dog shit – but you also can’t accurately assess it until the passage of time completes its course.
After all, then we don’t know that picks the Rangers will be getting back, and of course, nor who these players will be either (and where furthermore – who knows – and maybe the Blueshirts flip these potential multiple picks too) – and we sure as hell don’t know what Liam Greentree will become either.
But as all of us know?
Then developing prospects isn’t really this franchise’s biggest strength – so I can see Liam Greentree becoming LMAO, GREENTREE? one day too!
As far as one of the most negative (if not threatening too) responses that I saw to this deal?
Then look no further:
Wipe that fucking smirk off your face you fucking cumguzzler I PRAY that a FedEx truck will take you out on 34th and 8th just fucking run you down trading for a prospect who you’re never even going to play who the fuck do you think you are. You would be a better janitor than a GM pic.twitter.com/NGkA2BlYrv
— cly (@tribecalledrags) February 4, 2026
So yeah, it’s safe to say that this deal didn’t go over too well with Ranger fans.
We all knew that Drury was dealing from a position of weakness – but even so – this is unacceptable.
He could’ve held off.
Heck, he could’ve erased the draft of “The Letter 2.0” – which only decreased whatever little power this little man had to begin with!
A third-round pick and a muddling prospect for the best player available at this year’s deadline.
Yeah, Panarin wasn’t going to budge for a general manager/boss that he ALLEGEDLY didn’t like; but even so – and this was the best that Drury could do?
WAKE UP DOLAN!
WAKE THE EFF UP NOW!
FIRE THIS CLOWN!
You know the deal long by now:
It’s always nice whenever Cowardly Chris uses ZOOM ZOOM with his state media – and how he’ll never talk live on one of the team’s many cable networks or social media mediums.
What a PUSSY – and I don’t use that word lightly either.
Following the Panarin trade at 2:59PM, then come 7:30PM – and Drury had one of his bi-annual chats with the morons that currently make-up the Blueshirts’ birdbrain beat of today.
Do you think Mollie “Giggles” Walker asked Drury once about Dolan and the GM covering up Panarin’s sexual assault allegations?
HA!
Do you think Wince Mercogliano ever asked Drury with the alleged rapist now off the roster, if the Rangers/M$G social media employees can travel with the team again? After all, then we get no post-game coverage (mainly, post-game interviews) from the road ever since Panarin ALLEGEDLY tried to dip his breadstick into some pink sauce.
Child please! Wince was too busy posting pictures of the last meal he ate – and how it looked in his toilet afterwards too!
Do you think Colin Stephenson, Peter Baugh or anyone else of the selected six, asked Drury if he finds himself accountable for the mess that only he created?
You have a better shot of seeing the Rangers win the Stanley Cup this year!
What you’re about to read next is Drury answering his prepared questions.
His quotes are in italics, my responses to all of them are in bold.
And to give them credit, then all of the quotes you see featured below comes from the Blueshirts’ birdbrain beat – because after all – then why would Drury allow this significant moment of Rangers’ history to be shared to the assholes – you know – the fans – aka – THE CUSTOMERS!
Here’s how Drury, with his tail in-between his legs, dictated his opening remarks to his transcribers:
“First, I’d like to start by thanking both Artemi Panarin and Carson Soucy for their contributions to the Rangers. We certainly wish them and all their families all the best moving forward. Artemi’s an incredible player, arguably the best free agent signing in the 100-year history of the franchise. He deserves a chance to win and we wanted to give him that chance as we retool the team.”
Leave Soucy out of this.
If Panarin truly deserved a chance to win, then this moron would’ve done a better job at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline.
A Presidents’ Trophy winning team – and with the likes of Jake Guentzel, J.T. Miller, and others of that ilk out there – and the boy genius decided to add only Jack Roslovic and Alex Wennberg.
But hey – at least Filip Chytil, Kaapo Kakko and Brennan Othmann were “untouchable” back then!
“It’s never easy to move a player of Artemi’s caliber, but it’s provided us an opportunity to accumulate valuable assets for the future.”
It would’ve been easier if you didn’t release another stupid letter. And are any of these assets going to come close to matching Panarin’s production? I think NOT!
“As I stated in the letter to our fans, no one is happy with the way we have performed this year. As the president and GM, this is ultimately my responsibility. Coming into this year, we were viewed collectively, internally and externally, as a playoff-caliber team, and we have underachieved.”
Outside of “The Letter 2.0” part – and he said this exact same shit last year.
TWICE!
WAKE UP DOLAN!
“I have great faith in Sully, he is one of the premier coaches in this league, also a very accomplished group of assistants. It’s my job to work with them to fully understand why we have underachieved and how we all improve moving forward.”
Why, because he’s your Boston butt buddy?
Sidney Crosby carried him to two Stanley Cups, almost ten-years ago – and what has Sully done since?
Most recently – no second-round appearances during the past six-years.
Seven after this year.
Scotty Bowman is still alive and was once a premier coach too.
How about making him the fifth bench boss under your reign of terror?
“Our fans deserve a Stanley Cup.”
NO SHIT – and that won’t happen with Drury around!
“Our fans deserve a Stanley Cup, not a team just hoping to get in as the last wild card. So we felt it was best to start this organizational shift sooner than later. That will be the guiding principle of every decision we make as an organization. How does this help us return to a Stanley Cup contender? We are going to work tirelessly at this every day to continue to improve and push towards that goal.”
Yet, Mika and Miller remain?
And you and Sully too?
Here’s how Drury confirmed that L.A. was the only place that Panarin was willing to go to:
“With that no-move clause, he’s got a lot of control over the situation. As I said, he earned it and deserved it. Late this morning, was informed the only place he was willing to sign and willing to move to — as he had an extension done with LA — was LA. Whether that was at today’s 3pm deadline, or on March 6. After a long few weeks of trying to figure out the best spot for him and where he wanted to go, like I said, was alerted this morning, and excited with the return we got with Liam and a draft pick.”
I don’t think Colony Chris is lying here – but I do want to hear Panarin say it too.
And as noted above – Drury was better off waiting until March 6th – as this felt like a forced decision at a fugazi self-created deadline.
As far as the “RETOOL” goes, as Drury kept insisting this isn’t a “REBUILD,” then here was the bozo’s response:
“I’m not going to go player by player on our team, or players we’re going to target in the league, obviously. Again, I think we have a lot of really good players at key positions. It has not worked out the way we had hoped. We’re going to continue to look back at decisions we made and choices we make and try to make better ones. But I can tell you, I still believe in a lot of players in that room. We’re going to try to build around some of them and try keep pushing this thing forward. As I said in the letter, try to be a contender as soon as we can.
“I still, you know, believe in them as players and as people. As I said, I’m not singling them out. I think there’s been a number of areas and different spots where we’ve underachieved this year. I know they’re continually working on their individual games, those two individual players, and trying to find ways to be more impactful. They’re still young players even though it feels like they’ve been around for a number of years now, but we’re going to continue to work with them. We think they both have bright futures in this league and I know Sully and his staff and me and my management staff are excited to have them here and keep trying to help them reach their potential.”
This is a whole lot of word salad – a trait that he shares with Sullivan.
This also tells me, and especially since Drury decided to speak here after one move, and not theoretically after every move is/was made, that Panarin may be the only one to go.
Mika and Miller must join him.
And for asset purposes, ditto Trocheck.
As far as any changes, and where of course, no one asked Drury if he thinks he should step down either, then here’s what The Pepperoni Hot Oil Man had to say:
“Well, it’s two huge, important pieces of the organization. The draft and development, organizations need to make good draft picks, obviously, and they need those draft picks to develop and get to the big club and impact the lineup. Again, those are two important parts of the organization, along with scouting and a number of other departments that we’re always looking at and seeing if we can tweak things, seeing what we can learn from other organizations that have gone through this before, and always looking for ways in both those departments to be better.”
Here’s a helpful tweak – resign!
On when he expects the Rangers to lose their laughingstock status:
“I think there’s a difference in a retool and a rebuild. As we said in the letter, it is a retool. We’re certainly not going to sit here and put a timeline on it right now. We’re going to try to do everything we can to get back to being a contending team as quickly as we can. We have identified and continue to identity players that we want here and want to stay here and go forward and build around and move forward with.”
If I was this dolt, then I wouldn’t be promoting any sort of timeline either – but then again – then it seems like his boss, Dolan, doesn’t care either.
On Liam Greentree, who is currently having a down season in the OHL:
“Well, I think he brings a lot to the table. Certainly, just looking at his numbers and his offensive production, it’s very exciting. He’s got some size to him. He’s got a really good hockey IQ, and a lot of skill. We valued him, a prospect like him, higher than a ’26 or ’27 first-round pick. He’s an ’06 birth year and ready to turn pro and wrapping up on his junior career and looking forward to getting him to development camp.”
What else is Crappy Chris going to say?
“I got fleeced?”
Some parting news and notes that I’ve yet to hit:
Over in L.A. and Holland said that he was interested in acquiring other players in this trade, but Drury’s sole focus was shedding himself of Panarin.
Holland didn’t name any Ranger by name – and as you’d expect.
This just tells us that perhaps another move can be made between the two GM’s – and where furthermore, then outside of the Soucy trade, made with the Islanders strictly-and-solely for family purposes – and 99% of Drury’s trade partners reside in the West.
That’s why I never really put much stock into the Panarin to Washington or Carolina rumors – as I just couldn’t see Drury risking to be burnt by a divisional rival.
Nearly everyone else (K’Andre Miller is an exception to this), and whether it be Barclay Goodrow (Drury’s nonsense with him was the genesis of this rapid decline), Jacob Trouba, Kaapo Kakko, Filip Chytil, Chris Kreider, Ryan Lindgren, so on and so forth, were all traded to Western Conference teams.
As far as when Panarin will join the Kings’ camp?
Then Holland said that Panarin will start on February 18th.
With the Olympic break, then Panarin will have some time to adjust to his new home.
Holland also mentioned that Panarin hadn’t practiced in nearly two-weeks, but as Sullivan said earlier this week – he was skating by himself.
And when the team held their bullshit $1,500 get-in/entry fee Casino Night on Monday?
Then Panarin was M.I.A. from the event.
But at least big-buck Blueshirt fans paid for the right to shake the hand of Urho Vaakanainen.
That’s a memory these gamblers will never forget!
As we wrap-up on this trade, then just to show you how bad Drury was ALLEGEDLY sexually assaulted by Holland here – then not only keep in mind that he gave up a first-round pick for Miller last year – but of these recent trades too:
On December 12, 2025, the Edmonton Oilers acquired goaltender Tristan Jarry (who was previously waived earlier in the season) and forward Sam Poulin from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for goaltender Stuart Skinner, defenseman Brett Kulak, and a 2029 second-round draft pick.
Drury couldn’t get a second-round pick for Panarin!
When Brock Nelson, then on Long Island, had a similar situation last year, then the 33-year-old brought back to the Isles, from Denver, Callum Ritchie, a 2026 first-round pick, a 2028 third-round pick and Oliver Kylington.
NELSON GOT ALL THAT BACK!
A SLIM JIM WOULD’VE BEEN A BETTER RETURN THAN WHAT DRURY GOT HERE!
A few years ago, when long-time Flyer captain Claude Giroux said he’d only accept a trade to Florida, then Philadelphia got back Owen Tippett and a first-round pick.
HELLO GREENTREE AND A CONDITIONAL THIRD!
Please, and if you’re new here – then look back at this site’s archives.
While I did predict all of this, including this demise – but at the same – and I never knew how bad it would really get.
Here’s your rotten cherry on the top – former captain Jacob Trouba taking a pot-shot at Little Dick Drury – and as he did on Tuesday night:
Trouba: “If I’m gonna be honest I’m having a little more fun than I had the last couple years” 👀 https://t.co/qwhlcFqz74 pic.twitter.com/RWrSYQiYsR
— NHLonTNT (@NHL_On_TNT) February 4, 2026
As noted on January 29th, following the Rangers being swept by the Islanders (full story here: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/12926/ ), then I wasn’t going to be around for the 1/31 loss to the Penguins.
Not only was the WWE Royal Rumble on at the same time (and a UFC PPV too) – but it was my niece’s tenth birthday party – and family always comes first – and most especially during these dark Blueshirt times!
With this Panarin trade news looming, then I wasn’t going to return until a deal was made – and if a deal wasn’t – then I was just going to return tomorrow night (Thursday), when the Rangers get their wheels blown off by the Hurricanes.
Long story short?
Then this is my first time talking about Drury’s most recent waiver-wire pick up – defenseman Vincent Iorio – now formerly of the San Jose Sharks.
When this news first broke on Saturday, then it was my belief that this was some sort of favor between the two old Boston roommates, Drury and Grier.
I also thought this could’ve been the genesis of a potential Panarin trade to the Sharks.
Of course, and that wasn’t the case.
As far as the move, then here’s what the Rangers said about it, courtesy of https://www.nhl.com/rangers/news/rangers-claim-vincent-iorio-off-waivers:
New York Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury announced today that the team has claimed defenseman Vincent Iorio off waivers.
Iorio, 23, skated in 21 games for the San Jose Sharks this season and recorded three points. He also appeared in six games and collected seven assists for the San Jose Barracuda of the American Hockey League (AHL). During the 2024-25 season, he played in 67 games for the Hershey Bears of the AHL and notched 20 points (5G-15A). Among Bears defenseman last season, Iorio ranked third in points and shots (86), and tied for third in assists.
The 6-4, 220-pound defenseman has skated in 30 career NHL games between the Sharks and Washington Capitals, collecting four points (4A). He appeared in one postseason game for the Capitals during the 2023-24 season. Across parts of four AHL seasons between the Barracuda and Bears, Iorio has tallied 63 points (11G-52A) in 196 regular season games and was part of back-to-back Calder Cup champion Bears teams in 2023 and 2024. He has skated in 31 playoff games with Hershey and recorded seven points (1G-6A).
Prior to turning pro, the Coquitlam, British Columbia native spent four seasons with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League (WHL). In 191 WHL games, Iorio recorded 82 points (21G-61A). During the 2021-22 season, he ranked fifth on the Wheat Kings in assists (33) and points (44).
Iorio was drafted by the Capitals in the second round, 55th overall, of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.
While I thought that this Iorio pick-up could be Panarin-related; I also thought it could be Braden Schneider related too.
But, and as Drury also said during his ZOOM ZOOM VROOM VROOM call from Wednesday night – and Drury was singing the good praises of not only Schneider – but of Alexis Lafreniere too.
It remains to be seen if Schneider and Lafreniere remain – but if that one-for-one proposed deal of Lafreniere to Seattle for Shane Wright was true – then Drury is an idiot for not pulling the trigger on it.
Drury’s good pal you ask, his bunk bed buddy from Boston, Mike Sullivan?
Then here was the premier head coach response to the move:
“I don’t know a lot about him. We’ll see where it goes.”
What a hockey savant.
Here were Iorio’s first remarks as a Ranger following Monday’s practice – and where Iorio will now be wearing #6 for the club (a number that should’ve been retired eons ago in honor of Bun Cook) too:
Hours after the Panarin trade news broke on Wednesday, then it was reported all over the hockey world that Gavin McKenna, the presumed front-runner as the first-overall pick of this year’s NHL Entry Draft, was charged with a felony assault.
Since I’m not a police blotter reporter, then here’s ESPN’s recount of the story:
Top NHL prospect Gavin McKenna charged with Assault
Penn State forward Gavin McKenna, a top NHL prospect, has been charged with felony aggravated assault and other …
Penn State forward Gavin McKenna, the consensus first overall pick in this June’s NHL draft, has been charged with felony aggravated assault and other counts, according to Pennsylvania Magisterial District Court documents.
McKenna, 18, was charged with first-degree felony aggravated assault, which is defined as “attempts to cause serious bodily injury or causes injury with extreme indifference”; misdemeanor simple assault; and two summary counts of disorderly conduct for harassment and engaging in a fight.
The maximum penalty for first-degree felony aggravated assault in Pennsylvania is 20 years in prison and/or a $25,000 fine.
McKenna, a native of Canada, was charged by the State College Police Department. A criminal complaint was filed on Wednesday and McKenna was awaiting a preliminary hearing.
The alleged incidents happened on Saturday, Jan. 31, the same day that an NCAA outdoor hockey game at Penn State’s Beaver Stadium drew 74,575 fans. The Nittany Lions lost to Michigan State 5-4 in overtime. McKenna had a goal and two assists. He has 32 points (11 goals, 21 assists) in 24 games with Penn State this season.
NHL Central Scouting ranks McKenna first among all North American skaters. The NHL told ESPN it is aware of the charges against McKenna but offered no comment, as he’s not currently a player in the league.
Penn State issued a statement saying it was aware of the charges.
“We are aware that charges have been filed; however, as this is an ongoing legal matter, we will not have any further comment,” the statement said.
McKenna stunned the hockey world last year by opting to leave Canadian junior hockey for Penn State’s men’s hockey program. In 2024, the NCAA ruled that Canadian junior players were now eligible to play on Division I teams, ending a decades-old policy that made young athletes choose between the Canadian Hockey League and college hockey.
McKenna was one of the first Canadian junior players to make the jump to the NCAA. His NIL money for attending Penn State is “in the ballpark” of $700,000, a source told ESPN at the time.
Soon after this report, and others like it, came down the pike – then more details emerged – and where afterwards – then McKenna must be acquitted.
According to multiple eye-witnesses, then this whole incident started when some drunken heckler was not only giving McKenna shit – but Mother McKenna too.
As it goes, and this jackass not only called McKenna’s mother a “whore” – but he also physically interacted with her too.
As any one of us would do – and McKenna cleaned this guy’s clock for not only verbally berating his mom – but after touching her too.
Here’s some of the evidence:
Gavin McKenna was defending his mother.
I would’ve done the exact same thing. Guy who got it had it coming. Kid is a fucking beauty.
He’s the #1 overall. No ifs ands or buts. pic.twitter.com/uTGlOUO4hm
— M.D (@nucks0) February 4, 2026
The courts will ultimately decide this – but get one judge who has a mother – and this case will be dropped – and just like McKenna’s victim was.
I have no tolerance for men hitting women – which is why I’ve been so anti-Panarin this season.
But for a guy standing up for his mother?
Then swing away at the dude starting the bullshit.
Furthermore?
Then say McKenna’s mother wasn’t involved and this was just some sort of drunken barroom buffoonery.
Even so, and while the charges shouldn’t be dropped in that scenario – but I don’t think a teenager should have his life ruined by cancel culture because of one alleged inebriated mistake.
I mean, can’t you remember all of the dumbass shit you did as a kid?
McKenna didn’t pull a gun on the guy. He didn’t grab a knife. There were no brass knuckles involved.
He punched him out – and as most bar fights go.
And while I personally haven’t been in many (I’m a happy drunk, not a violent one); but I’ve seen many stupid drunken fights in my lifetime.
Nine out of ten times?
The two combatants dust themselves off, shake hands and then share a drink together.
Had a weapon been used?
Then yeah, I get it.
But this was mano-e-mano – so yeah – this case should be thrown out.
And don’t talk about McKenna’s mom either.
I know that I sure won’t!
As far as any other Ranger news from the week, then after Saturday’s brutal 6-5 loss (and where that score could’ve been 15-2, Penguins – and don’t let the one-goal margin fool you either) – and the Blueshirts, after taking Sunday off, practiced during three consecutive off-days – and as they did on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Sullivan, during one of his ten-hour word-salad post-practice press conferences, said that he expected Adam Fox, CZAR IGOR and Adam Edstrom back after the Olympic break – but by that time – and with the Rangers having a good shot at winning the draft lottery – then do you want any help right now?
Elsewhere, and Noah Laba, who took a gnarly hit and then had to leave the game on Saturday, was a full participant at the trio of trials and tribulations.
In other words, expect him to be part of a loser line-up on Thursday night – as the Rangers are prepared to get embarrassed on home ice again on February 5th at M$G – and by who else – Brind’Amour’s Brood.
The Rangers have hit such a rock-bottom, that I’ve been repeatedly texted and emailed by them with $50 lower-bowl ticket offers.
Season-ticket holders sure love that!
In some roster news, then, and following the Panarin trade, and Anton Blidh was recalled from the Wolf Pack while Connor Mackey was returned to Hartford.
This just opens a defensive roster spot for Iorio, while also giving the Rangers a spare forward (Blidh) in light of the Kings’ fleecing Drury.
Here’s Sullivan doing his Kamala Harris act from Wednesday – and just two-hours prior to the Panarin trade too:
As we go home here?
Then if there’s one thing that I want to see on Thursday night, then it’s how the Rangers handle their Olympians.
Everywhere else in the league, and every team, and during their last home game played prior to the break, have been doing pregame celebrations for their Olympic-bound players.
While I don’t think Ranger fans will boo Trocheck; but I can see a mixed reaction to Captain Culture.
And should the Blueshirts ask fans to honor both Sully and Drury?
Then McKenna should knock them both out!
See ya tomorrow night after the Rangers’ loss to the Canes – and where you can expect Mika to mope the most.
Heck, I am fully expecting the Canes to shutout the Blueshirts – and it doesn’t matter who is in their net either!
Until then?
Your favorite segment and mine, you know…
PLUGS TIME! (Buy a book and support my Rangers’ induced therapy bills. After all, I don’t run ads on this site!)
My fourth title and tenth book is now available!
“The Top 100 Villains of New York Rangers History,” is now available for sale!
For complete information, please visit: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/rangerkillers/
My second plug of tonight’s blog – the mandatory plug for my book, “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden.”
As mentioned previously, the book is now available in hardcover, in paperback and in Kindle formats. To purchase a copy of the book, visit this link:
https://www.amazon.com/Rangers-Rafters-Madison-Square-Garden-ebook/dp/B09CM5N2WD
For those still looking for signed paperback versions of the book, I have re-ordered more copies. I now have a few signed copies for sale at $25 a pop (includes shipping price) through me directly. Here is all the information on that:
Order “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden” Book Today
My four-volume set of books, “One Game at a Time – A Season to Remember,” is a game-by-game recount of the Rangers 2021-22 campaign.
My second title as an author, “One Game at a Time – A Season to Remember,” is now available in eBook, paperback and hardcover formats.
To obtain signed copies, visit: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/onegamebook/
To purchase all four volumes on Amazon, visit: Amazon.com – “One Game at a Time.”
The greatest volume-set of books on Rangers’ history today!
“Tricks of the Trade – A Century-Long Journey Through Every Trade Made In New York Rangers’ History,” a four-volume set of books that meticulously covers every trade made in franchise history, is now on sale.
All four volumes of the title can be purchased on Amazon.com and are presented in three different formats – eBook, paperback and hardcover.
To purchase Volume I: Conn Smythe (1926) – Craig Patrick (1986), visit Amazon.com
To purchase Volume II: Phil Esposito (1986) – Neil Smith (2000), visit Amazon.com
To purchase Volume III: Glen Sather (2000-2015), visit Amazon.com
To purchase Volume IV: Jeff Gorton (2015) – Chris Drury (2022), visit Amazon.com
To purchase signed copies of all four volumes, visit https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/tricksofthetrade/
If you haven’t already, subscribe to this blog for the next update:
Don’t forget to order my four-volume set of books, “Tricks of the Trade!”
If you don’t order through me, all four volumes are now available on Amazon.com
For more details, check out: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/tricksofthetrade/
Thanks for reading.
LET’S GO RANGERS!
Sean McCaffrey
BULLSMC@aol.com
I fear we are in for a long cold Rangers winter. Plenty of tributes to the 1994 team being planned. Cheer up John Ferguson and Phil Esposito. Neither of you can no longer be considered the worst Rangers GM in history
I knew what you were going to say after yesterday! It is/was SO TRUE! The Bread man wanted out of NYC! I will miss him but the team will MISS HIM MORE!!! You say everything what we are thinking but don’t want to admit!
Keep reminding us of what this all means down the road. Have a good shot of bourbon before the Hurricanes game, but I don’t know who will need it more, you or the team