New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider is the best player who’s been mentioned in NHL trade rumors. He’ll be the best rental available at the trade deadline. Which three teams would be the best fit for him?
The NHL trade deadline is quickly approaching. It would be shocking to see the New York Rangers hang onto forward Chris Kreider, as his name has been in NHL trade rumors for well over a year. Kreider is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after this season, which all but ensures he’ll be gone unless the Rangers sign him to an extension.
Extension talks haven’t gone well between the two parties. Larry Brooks of The New York Post is reporting there haven’t been any substantial discussions between Kreider and the Rangers.
Furthermore, Darren Dreger said in an Insider Trading segment that the Rangers are willing to retain salary on Kreider to make him a more feasible fit for Stanley Cup contenders who are close to the cap ceiling.
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Currently, Kreider has a $4.625 million cap hit, but he’s likely going to get a substantial raise this summer, as he’s one of the best free agents on the market. And with the Rangers needing to make decisions on several players, it’s not likely they’ll be able to afford to be the team who gives him that raise.
Kreider should be tempting for a number of teams. He’s reasonably cheap at $4.625 million. Kreider also has a unique skill set, as he’s one of the better power forwards in the NHL. He’s also one of the more consistent players in the NHL, as he’s picked up at least 20 goals and 40 points in four of his last five seasons. Also, he has at least 50 points in two of his last three seasons and is on pace to reach that total again this season.
Moreover, Kreider was on pace to pass both of those totals during the 2017-18 season before injuries cut his season short. In 58 games that season, he put up 16 goals and 37 points. Had Kreider maintained that pace over 82 games, it would have given him roughly 23 goals and 52 points.
Not only is he an effective scorer at 5v5, he can also be effective on the power play. 45 of his 148 goals have come on the man advantage. Kreider has at least five power play goals in each full season, including the 2017-18 season when he only played 58 games. In 77 career postseason games, he has 37 points.
Whoever trades for Kreider will be lucky to have him. Now, who should trade for him? Let’s take a look at three teams who should pull the trigger on a deal.