
NHL Network's E.J. Hradek: Rangers Path to the Playoffs + Possible Panarin Trade Haul Looks Weak
Forever Blueshirts - A New York Rangers PodcastMentioned in this episode
Episode Notes
On a special Friday edition of Rink Rap, Jim is joined by NHL Network's E.J. Hradek.
The NHL has never been this wide-open – we dive into historic league-wide parity and map the Rangers’ clearest path back to the postseason in a brutal Metro.
Inside the episode:
- Looming Panarin decision: keep the Breadman or move him before he hits free agency? (Spoiler: the return might sting)
- Metro madness + early playoff race breakdown
- Penguins-Oilers goalie swap dissected
- Will J.T. Miller make Team USA for the 2026 Olympics under Mike Sullivan? If he’s snubbed, how awkward does it get in the Rangers room?
All the angles on the Rangers’ season and the flat-out wild NHL landscape, in under an hour. Let’s go.

![[FULL EPISODE] Rangers Rollercoaster: Winter Classic Highs, Injury Lows, and Sullivan's Steady Hand](https://images.castfire.com/image/660/7748/35924/7903217/7903217_2026-01-08-002217-8356853.jpg)



![[FULL EPISODE] Rangers Midseason Grades: Playoff Bubble or Bust? + EJ Emery, Olympic Odds & Winter Classic Preview](https://images.castfire.com/image/660/7748/35924/7882331/7882331_2025-12-30-203431-8347614.jpg)



![[FULL SHOW] NY Rangers Mid-Season Grades: Drury, Sullivan & the Panarin Dilemma](https://images.castfire.com/image/660/7748/35924/7873024/7873024_2025-12-23-205224-8345810.jpg)