It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. The Four Nations Face-Off is nearing its conclusion. However, that doesn’t mean general managers aren’t busy constructing potential deals. We’ve seen a flurry of activity before the Four Nations tournament. However, we might just only be getting started.
Teams often make moves after international breaks and that’s been a thing since the Nagano Olympics. One team team that could make some more moves is the New York Rangers. This edition of NHL rumours deals with one veteran that’s been the subject of trade talks.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
New York Rangers Stalwart Subject of Trade Chatter
Rumour: Peter Baugh of The Athletic had a recent mailbag and talked about a number of Rangers players that could be moved. This edition of NHL rumours deals with winger Chris Kreider.
Analysis: The Blueshirts have played better since the start of the new year. However, a team that was the subject of Stanley Cup talk is on the outside looking in of the post-season picture. There’s still time to get to the playoffs, but the Rangers will have to make a move or two.
Rangers General Manager Chris Drury sent a memo in November that said a number of players were available. Baugh pointed out that Jacob Trouba and Kreider were highlighted as names that could be had. Drury made good on dealing Trouba, who was the team’s captain, to the Anaheim Ducks. Could Drury make good on sending Kreider out of the Big Apple?
Baugh’s mailbag was also asked about Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin. However, both seem to be long shots to be traded. Both contracts have big-time cap hits and both players have no-movement clauses. There’s also the risk of disenfranchising Zibanejad and Panarin by asking them to waive those no-trade clauses.
Kreider only has a 15-team no-trade clause, so that makes his contract easier to move. The Boston-area native does have some control, but Drury can still move the veteran winger.
What it Means
The Rangers have some big contracts on the books and Kreider is one of the them. He carries a cap hit of $6.5 million and his contract runs until the end of the 2026-27 season. The cap hit would be a bit to swallow. However, the increasing salary cap could make it more digestible.
Kreider has struggled this season with 16 goals and 20 points. However, he is very good on the power play when he’s on his game. The 33-year-old is strong in front of the net and is hard to move out of position.
He also still has some speed in his game and is a proven goal-scorer. Contending teams would love to get a player like Kreider, but Baugh points out that a team taking on his salary would be difficult.
Kreider’s future with the team is uncertain, but it looks like he will be with the team unless some other club wants to take a big risk. Changes could be coming on Broadway, but Kreider might not be part of this round of them.
Main photo by: Danny Wild-Imagn Images
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