If I were to objectively look at it, I agree and say the Rangers are top 6-8 in the NHL (not saying they 8, looking at the top teams in a group). In the East I look at the Bruins, Leafs, Panthers, and Canes in the top tier with the Rangers. The positive for the Rangers is the Bruins, Leafs, and Panthers will be top 3 in the Atlantic, so if the Rangers make the ECF they would only have to play one of those teams, whichever team comes out of the Atlantic bracket, that is a big plus. As for the Canes, if we both get through the 1st round, we'd meet in the 2nd round (the Rangers/Canes will finish 1/2 in either order in the Met). So, while nothing in the NHL playoffs is easy, in theory it should be a good bracket for the Rangers only having to play one of those top Atlantic teams in the ECF and cannot play the Atlantic team sooner.
The thing about the NHL playoffs is it's wide open. Almost any team can get hot and win a series or more. I don't see how the Rangers can pass on this chance to try and make a run, and certainly not for a crapshoot pick in the 20's.
With regards to this trade DL, there are not a lot of big-time guys available, if any. It will be about solid players who could be middle 6 forwards, bottom 4 dmen. Which is why to me I think Drury should be looking at a package if he deals our 1st. Say the Ducks for Vatrano and Henrique, or the Kraken for Wennberg and Eberle (I have seen Wennberg's name mentioned a few times recently). That would be my focus if I were Drury. Kill two birds with one stone if possible, the one stone being our 1st round pick.
I see no way Drury sits by and does nothing. Not saying he deals the 1st for sure, who knows, but we'll add at least one middle 6 forward. We'll see if he tries to add two and/or a dman.