Rangers acquire Jack Roslovic for 2026 4th round pick

It’s a bit underwhelming for many, but the Rangers have acquired forward Jack Roslovic from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a 2026 4th round pick. The deal solidifies the Rangers top-nine and provides nice roster balance, shifting players like Jimmy Vesey and Jonny Brodzinski to the fourth line.

Roslovic will likely get looks at 1RW at some point, but it’s expected he will join Will Cuylle and Alex Wennberg on the third line. He’s a low risk, high reward add, much like Frank Vatrano two seasons ago. This means Kaapo Kakko is the new 1RW/2RW, depending on how you view the lines.

If we assume the Artemi Panarin line will get offensive zone starts and the Wennberg line will get sheltered and face weaker opposition, that means the Kakko, Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad line will be a combined shutdown/scoring line. Think Anthony Cirelli’s line in 2022 against the Rangers.

Or perhaps the Wennberg line will be used to free up Zibanejad a bit to get going. Or both?

The 4th round pick becomes a 3rd round pick if the Rangers make the Stanley Cup Final.