Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, hockey fans! While the NHL trade freeze is in effect until December 27th, that doesn’t mean the rumor mill stops churning. One particularly juicy speculated rumor has been circulating, suggesting the New York Rangers might be looking to move veteran forward Chris Kreider.
The Rangers, currently sitting seventh in the Metropolitan Division with a disappointing 16-17-1 record, seem to be underperforming. Could another trade be on the horizon for the Blue Shirts? Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Penguins, fighting for a Wild Card spot, are in need of some offensive firepower. Enter Chris Kreider.
A Proposed Trade Scenario for the Rangers and Penguins:
- Pittsburgh Penguins receive: Chris Kreider
- New York Rangers receive: Ryan Graves, Matt Grzelcyk, 2027 second-round pick
This mock trade has ignited a firestorm of debate among fans. Some see the potential for Kreider to regain his scoring touch in Pittsburgh, providing a much-needed boost to their playoff push. Others are skeptical, citing Kreider’s hefty contract and recent dip in production.
Fan Reactions:
The general consensus seems to be that the Rangers would likely need to retain some of Kreider’s salary to make the deal more palatable for the Penguins. Some fans have even suggested that Marcus Pettersson might be a more attractive trade chip for the Rangers than Ryan Graves. Ultimately, many believe that any return for Kreider might be limited, with a second-round pick being a realistic expectation.
My Take:
While Kreider’s age and contract present challenges, his experience and scoring potential could be valuable assets for the Penguins. However, Rangers General Manager Chris Drury will need to be creative to find a trade partner willing to take on Kreider’s full salary. A deal with the Penguins could make sense for both sides, but it will likely require some salary retention and perhaps a modified package of players and picks.
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Hell no on this trade…