Chris Kreider linked to Stanley Cup contender in trade talks

There’s no denying the fact that the New York Rangers have been one of the most disappointing teams in the NHL’s early schedule, going just 4-5-1 in their first 10 games. 

This is especially disappointing after the team picked up big players this offseason like Artemi Panarin and Jacob Trouba. But, truth be told there are going to be ups and downs over the course of an 82 game season, especially for a relatively young and inexperienced team like the Rangers.

Still, it’s a tough pill for Rangers fans to swallow.

So, what happens if the Rangers continue on down this road? Fans and media analysts were quick to claim that the Rangers’ rebuild was complete this past offseason, but… is it? There are still several veteran players on the team’s roster who could be shipped out for future assets including long-time Rangers forward Chris Kreider.

The 28 year old Kreider is in the final year of a four year deal that pays him $4.625 million per season and could generate some interest on the trade market. He has two goals and six points in 10 games and managed a respectable 28 goal, 54 point season in 2018-19. 

So… any takers?

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman believes that Kreider could be a fit with the defending Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues, especially now that superstar Vladimir Tarasenko is out long-term with a shoulder injury.

Check out this little tidbit from Friedman’s latest 31 Thoughts column for Sportsnet:

You know who screams St. Louis Blues if they wanted to add? Chris Kreider. He’d be perfect for them.

Interesting.

As with any potential trade, it’ll come down to the asking price. If Rangers GM Jeff Gorton is insistent upon getting a ransom back for Kreider, it could make things tough. The thing is, if nothing else Gorton has shown that he has the nerve to ship out veteran players this past couple seasons. Could Kreider be the next to join the likes of Rick Nash, Derek Stepan, Mats Zuccarello, Ryan McDonagh and J.T. Miller? Time will tell. Stay tuned, Rangers fans... if things go REALLY off the rails things could get very interesting.