NHL trade rumors: Top 3 teams that should trade for Chris Kreider

2. Tampa Bay Lightning

Projected deadline cap space: $4,255,179 (as of Jan. 15)

Chris Kreider would be a great fit on the Tampa Bay Lightning for several reasons. First of all, I’m pretty sure it’s a law that all New York Rangers must play for the Lightning at some point. OK, maybe it isn’t. But still, Kreider’s former teammates J.T. Miller, Brian Boyle, Ryan McDonagh, and Kevin Shattenkirk have all been played there. McDonagh and Shattenkirk are still there.

In all seriousness, the Lightning could use someone like Kreider. They miss the physical presence Miller brought to their top-six. Sure, Pat Maroon has been quite solid with 16 points in 42 games. But he’s looked out of place whenever he’s been given a top-six role in Tampa. Kreider is someone who could bring that physical presence back into the Bolts’ top-six, or at least their top nine.

He’d also give their already lethal power play a nice boost. There’s probably not a spot for him on their top unit, but Kreider would be a mighty fine addition to their second unit. Kreider’s fast enough to skate in Tampa’s up-tempo system and he has proven when he skates with good players, he gets good results.

Frankly, the Rangers should want to deal with the Lightning as well. At this point, they know their prospects pretty well. The Lightning also have an extra first-round pick, so maybe they’d be willing to deal it. Wouldn’t it be funny if the Lightning traded the draft pick they got for J.T. Miller to get Kreider?