The next two weeks figure to be a blur of NHL activity, with the draft scheduled for Friday and Saturday in Buffalo and free agency set to open July 1. But the fireworks were already ignited last weekend, making for a Father’s Day that hockey lovers won’t soon forget.The blockbuster trade that sent Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers had dads everywhere dropping their jaws and grill tongs. A Tkachuk move had been speculated for years, but so often rumors don’t turn to reality in this league. It’s created a feeling that anything is possible, with players increasingly emboldened to dictate their terms.That could be seen as an exciting proposition for the roster-retooling New York Rangers, who always seem to be interested in big stars. But it may not be that simple for a franchise that’s lost its luster as an attractive destination.That’s what the market is telling us. The Rangers had long coveted Tkachuk, but as colleague Pierre LeBrun reported, they weren’t among the four teams the 26-year-old winger told the Senators he would consider. That also seems to be the case for Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, whose trade request went public earlier this month. Like many other established veterans, he doesn’t view New York as a place to quench his thirst for winning.Who can the Rangers draft at No. 5?Peter BaughWhere does that leave the Rangers and team president Chris Drury? I’ve reported on his preference to take a big swing if the right opportunity presents itself, and still believe he’s looking for ways to do just that. But skepticism is warranted regarding his ability to pull it off. There’s a world where no major additions materialize, forcing him to recalibrate plans for nearly $30 million in salary cap space.As Rangers fans wait to find out what Drury will do, I detailed seven steps that he should take to ensure a successful offseason.1. Draft Carels or Šmits at No. 5It would be one thing if promising center Caleb Malhotra or dynamic winger Ivar Stenberg falls to No. 5. The Rangers should be all over either forward if that happens. But should the chalk scenario occur, Drury should implement a best-player-available strategy and make the pick with conviction. Let’s not forget that this is an organization with holes all over. Outside of starting goalie, they could use players at virtually every position.I’d be tempted by Swedish center Viggo Björck, who was impressive at the IIHF World Championships, but there’s belief that he tops out as a second-liner and could even end up as a wing.The chance to grab a potential top-pair defenseman, which many around the league believe both Carson Carels and Alberts Šmits could become, provides better value and would solidify New York’s blue line in a way they may not be able to achieve otherwise. (Both prospects sound promising to me, so I’ll leave it to John Lilley and the rest of the amateur scouting staff to determine which is the better option.)The lottery didn’t do the Rangers any favors, but they can still move forward with a blue-line pillar. Their D corps has struggled in recent years, but a top three of Adam Fox, Vladislav Gavrikov and either Carels or Šmits could raise the floor significantly.2. Focus on skill and speed in the rest of the draftThere are upwards of six high-end defenseman available near the top of the draft, and if New York can lock one of them up at No. 5, the focus with their other 10 picks should shift to two glaring areas of need: skill and speed. I would also prioritize coming away with at least a couple centers who check those boxes, seeing as that’s the weakest position in the prospect pool — and arguably the most important position on the ice.The Rangers have largely targeted size and grit under Drury, but it’s left them lacking in players who can keep up with the pace and scoring of today’s NHL. It’s time to course-correct. (I went with that strategy in my seven-round mock simulation and came away pleased with the results.)Lastly, with a total of four third-round picks, I like the idea of using one or two to move up for a coveted player in the first or second round. They need quantity, but coming away with nine or 10 new prospects instead of 11 is worthwhile if it improves the overall quality of the haul.Why is Vincent Trocheck still on the Rangers?Hailey Salvian and Vince Mercogliano3. Take the best offer for TrocheckThe Rangers are telling other teams they won’t trade Vincent Trocheck unless someone meets their price, which is the right stance to take. But in the end, they need to leverage their position as best they can before accepting the best offer they can get this summer.There’s simply too much risk in letting the situation linger. Trocheck will turn 33 in a few weeks and may never have this much trade value again. He’s coming off an Olympic gold medal with Team USA and is available at a time when teams are thirsting for trades due to an underwhelming free-agent class. Waiting until the 2027 trade deadline would mean banking on good health and performance for another eight or nine months, all while Trocheck plays without his most productive linemate: Artemi Panarin, who was dealt to the Los Angeles Kings in February.