Trade market for Kreider heats up after Hall deal

All eyes were on Taylor Hall since the start of the season as chatter grew loud that he would be traded, which took place on Monday when the pending free agent was moved to the Arizona Coyotes. 

On Tuesday Night, Darren Dreger talked about New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider becoming the next big fish on the move in the NHL and what could be asked in return for the veteran forward now that Hall is no longer available. Here is what Dreger had to say on Insider Trading on TSN: 

“The interest likely shifts to the New York Rangers and specifically to Chris Kreider. Now there will be discussions on the potential of a contract extension with Kreider. He’s a pending unrestricted free agent. But given the fact that the Coyotes jumped in early to acquire Taylor Hall, perhaps there’s another team that’s at least considered a playoff contending team that will do the same with Chris Kreider. He’s a unique player, he certainly adds a little physical edge to his game which all playoff teams would want. The return for Kreider would likely be a first-round draft pick and a mid-level prospect.”

We don’t believe Kreider could command as much as Hall on the trade market: if Kreider were to be traded today, we can’t say the Rangers would get a first rounder in return. 

While the Devils pulled the trigger on a Hall deal before the Holiday Freeze, the Rangers best bet to land a first round pick for Kreider would be a trade at the deadline.

It remains to be seen what Kreider can do until then. At the moment, the 29-year-old says he is not focused on the trade rumours and remains focused on playing. 

In 33 games this season with the Blue Shirts, Kreider has posted eight goals and 18 points.