Rangers navigating a delicate balance with ‘tough’ change ahead of trade deadline

Change is upon the New York Rangers.

In reality, it has been since the day captain Jacob Trouba was shipped out to Anaheim.

But the Blueshirts have been active leading into the week of the NHL’s trade deadline on March 7, making moves that will ensure they don’t lose impending unrestricted free agents for nothing come summer and attempting to retool a lineup fighting for a playoff spot.

Reilly Smith, acquired by the Rangers in July, was held out of Sunday’s matchup with the Predators for roster management purposes.

The 33-year-old wing appears primed to join Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey on their way out of town, after the two were packaged in a deal with the Avalanche on Saturday that brought defenseman Calvin de Haan and forward Juuso Parssinen to New York.

“Can’t thank Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy enough for what they’ve done for the organization long before I got here and since I’ve been here,” head coach Peter Laviolette said before the Rangers beat the Predators 4-0 Sunday night at MSG. “Talking about two really good human beings and two really good hockey players that played hard for the New York Rangers. It’s always tough to see change. I think change is always tough.”