The New York Rangers have traded three future draft picks to acquire Russian winger Pavel Dorofeyev from the , banking on his elite power‑play production to revive a stagnant offense. New York gave up a 2026 first‑round selection (26th overall), a 2026 third‑round pick (92nd overall) and a conditional 2028 first‑round pick. The package represents a clear win‑now gamble, sacrificing depth in the upcoming drafts for immediate scoring firepower.
Vegas, in turn, adds three valuable assets to its rebuilding timeline while clearing cap space tied to Dorofeyev’s contract. Dorofeyev entered the 2025‑26 campaign on a career‑high note, posting 37 goals, 27 assists and 20 power‑play goals – the second‑most in the NHL. He logged a full 82‑game regular season for the Knights and tallied 12 goals in 22 postseason contests, underscoring his knack for delivering when the stakes are highest.
At 25, his blend of size, speed and a lethal shot makes him a rare commodity on any power‑play unit. ” The organization, which has struggled to convert quality chances into goals, sees Dorofeyev’s proven PP success as a catalyst for a deeper playoff run. Vegas’ front office, meanwhile, framed the deal as a strategic reset, emphasizing the long‑term value of the draft capital they now control.
The Rangers entered the 2025‑26 season ranked 27th in power‑play percentage, converting just 13% of opportunities. Adding a player who delivered 20 power‑play goals last year could catapult New York into the top ten, potentially adding 10‑12 extra goals over a full season. That boost aligns with the club’s broader offensive overhaul, which also includes a new coaching staff focused on high‑tempo possession.
Integrating Dorofeyev into the Rangers' top‑line wing spots creates a natural fit with the team's existing elite centers, who excel at quick puck distribution. His ability to find seams on the PP and unleash a hard‑shot from the point could free up space for playmakers like Artemi Panarin, while his size adds a net‑front presence that the Rangers have lacked. Early‑season analytics suggest that a 2‑point increase in PP conversion could swing close games in New York’s favor, a margin that often separates playoff contenders from middle‑of‑the‑pack teams.
5 million in cap space, allowing the Knights to pursue a veteran defenseman or a promising forward in the upcoming free‑agency window. The conditional 2028 first‑round pick could become a high‑lottery selection if the Knights miss the playoffs, giving them a potential top‑10 slot that may outweigh the immediate loss of Dorofeyev’s scoring. Moreover, the 2026 first‑round pick at 26th overall provides flexibility to either select a high‑upside prospect or package it in a future deal, reinforcing the Knights’ long‑term rebuilding blueprint.
What’s next: Dorofeyev will report to training camp in early September, where he will be slotted into a top‑line wing spot and paired with the Rangers’ top‑tier centers on the power play. The trade’s impact will be measured in early‑season goal totals and the effectiveness of New York’s special‑teams units, while the Knights will watch the draft lottery for the 2026 and 2028 selections that could shape their next rebuild. Read at NewsAPI.org
Why this matters
The Rangers’ willingness to part with three future picks signals a decisive shift from rebuilding to contention, banking on Dorofeyev’s power‑play prowess to lift a lackluster offense. For Vegas, the trade frees cap space and injects valuable draft assets, aligning with a broader rebuild strategy. Both moves will reshape roster constructions and could influence the balance of power in the Eastern Conference as the 2026‑27 season approaches.
Frequently asked
What draft picks did the Rangers give up for Dorofeyev?
New York traded a 2026 first‑round pick (26th overall), a 2026 third‑round pick (92nd overall) and a conditional 2028 first‑round pick to Vegas.
How did Pavel Dorofeyev perform in the 2025‑26 season?
He recorded a career‑high 37 goals, 27 assists and 20 power‑play goals, finishing second in the NHL for PP goals, and added 12 postseason goals in 22 playoff games.
Why did the Golden Knights agree to the trade?
The Knights gained three future draft assets and cleared salary‑cap space, supporting their rebuilding plan and long‑term roster flexibility.
