It’s next year now. Eyes are trained on the 2025 prize. There is not a lot to say about the conference final defeat that has not been said over the last 48 hours or so. The Rangers’ deficiencies were exposed by a physically stronger opponent in a heavyweight fight.

Could things have been different?

Let’s take a look back at the trade deadline, during which general manager Chris Drury attempted to fill holes with serviceable pieces rather than going all-in for Jake Guentzel to complete the Mika Zibanejad-Chris Kreider line or an Adam Henrique-Frank Vatrano package to fill that hole and the third-line center spot.

The deadline arrived March 8. Henrique was traded to the Oilers on March 6. Guentzel was traded to the Hurricanes on March 7.