It isn't a secret that the New York Rangers were among the NHL's most underwhelming performers in the first half of the 2024-25 season.
Once viewed as potential Stanley Cup contenders, the Rangers are currently seventh in the Metropolitan Division with a 20-20-2 record (42 points). Things have been going wrong on both ends of the ice, positioning general manager Chris Drury to potentially sell off veteran pieces ahead of this year's trade deadline.
The Rangers are rostering several notable names that could draw a decent return in the coming weeks. Having said that, it looks like Drury is likelier to move one veteran player over the others.
According to The Athletic's Arthur Staple and Peter Baugh, two anonymous NHL executives have named forward Chris Kreider as the Rangers' likeliest trade candidate ahead of the deadline.
"I’d probably do Kreider first," the first anonymous source said. "That wing spot is where they have some kids coming. They’ve got (Will) Cuylle, who could do with more minutes. They’ve got (Brennan) Othmann, who you’d want to see get a chance. (Gabe) Perreault coming soon."
If he's traded, then Kreider wouldn't be the first long-time Ranger moved this season. On Dec. 8, 2024, New York moved captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for defenseman Urho Vaakanainen and a 2025 fourth-round pick.
Although there are other players the franchise could trade, the next NHL executive added that Kreider's age (33) could factor into a potential separation.
"I think given his age, what he’s been through this season with his name being out there, Kreider should go," Staple and Baugh's source said. "At his age and with his injury situation, I’m not sure what a return would look like for him. Likely not as high as you might hope for if you’re (the Rangers)."
New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) celebrates a goal with Artemi Panarin (10).
Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Kreider's 13th NHL season has been a mixed bag, to say the least.
On one hand, he only has 15 points in 34 contests, putting him at a 0.44 point-per-game pace — the worst production rate of his career. On the other hand, he's on pace for about 31 goals in an 82-game season which proves that he still has goal-scoring potential in the right environment.
Additionally, Kreider's overall experience — two All-Star Games, nine 20-goal seasons, 123 postseason appearances, etc. — should make him attractive to a contender even if his best days are behind him. Between the regular season and playoffs, the former 2009 first-rounder has amassed 365 goals and 643 points in 972 games.
It'll be interesting to see if Kreider's contract provides any sort of obstacle. He's signed through the 2026-27 season at an average annual value (AAV) of $6.5 million, meaning he'll be more than just a deadline rental for any interested suitors.
While Kreider's AAV is more than worth it when he's on his game, it's clear those performances don't happen every night anymore. The Rangers might have to add an incentive or two if any potential trade partners aren't fully convinced that Kreider can return to his old form.
If things don't turn around soon in New York, the Rangers and Kreider saga is worth keeping an eye on in the season's second half. The 2024-25 NHL trade deadline goes into effect on Friday, March 7, at 3 p.m. ET.
