Rangers Bet Big on Dorofeyev to Solve Scoring Puzzle

The New York Rangers have executed a blockbuster trade with the Vegas Golden Knights to acquire right winger Pavel Dorofeyev, according to Sports Illustrated. To secure the winger, the Rangers surrendered the No. 26 and No. 92 picks in the 2026 NHL Draft, along with a top-10 protected first-round pick in 2028.

Immediately following the trade, the Rangers signed Dorofeyev to a seven-year contract extension worth $11 million annually, Sports Illustrated reports. The move comes after Dorofeyev posted back-to-back seasons of more than 35 goals in Vegas. However, the transition to New York carries risks. A scout cited by Peter Baugh and Vincent Z. Mercogliano of the Athletic expressed skepticism, stating that Dorofeyev has historically been a "complementary type of piece" rather than a primary offensive driver.

While in Vegas, Dorofeyev benefited from playing with elite playmakers Mitch Marner and Jack Eichel. Sports Illustrated notes that the Rangers currently lack players of that specific caliber to facilitate Dorofeyev's scoring. Despite these concerns, the team expects Dorofeyev to be a focal point of their offense and a key component of a power-play unit featuring defenseman Adam Fox and center Mika Zibanejad.

At nearly 26 years old, Dorofeyev represents a significant financial commitment. Sports Illustrated compares the $11 million annual salary to the $10.5 million annually recently given to Alex Tuch by the Washington Capitals, noting that Dorofeyev is younger and potentially has more growth ahead of him.