TheNew York Rangers haven't decided to trade Chris Kreider, but should they make a move with him, there could be suitors on the West Coast. Should the team make a deal with the Los Angeles Kings for Brandt Clarke?
The New York Rangers have been practicing addition by subtraction this season, as they've moved some of the pieces of the team that were considered "the core" at one point.
We used a tool from PuckPedia that let us make some interesting trades, and the tool itself is called "PuckGM".
One trade proposal that was made sent 13-year Rangers veteran Chris Kreider to the Los Angeles Kings, with defenseman Zac Jones attached.
The Rangers would retain half of Kreider's $6.5 million salary in order to sweeten the pot.
In return, the New York Rangers would receive one of the Kings' best prospects in defenseman Brandt Clarke.
Kings acquire:
Chris Kreider ($3.3 million retained)
Zachary Jones
Rangers acquire:
Brandt Clarke
Chris Kreider ($3.3 million retained)
Zachary Jones
Rangers acquire:
Brandt Clarke
The trade would be an upgrade for both teams, as Clarke would be a future top defenseman in New York.
While Kreider could add some size, and net-front presence for the Kings during an expected long-playoff run in the postseason.
Kreider's in year five of his seven-year deal which pays him $6.5 million AAV, and could give him a fresh start on the West Coast.
This would signal the end of an era in New York, but given how much his name has popped up in trade talks this season, is it a matter of time before we see him leave the organization by trade?
«Speaking to some people around the league, I think it's fair to say that Brandt Clarke is actively available. Internal discussions have teams wondering if he'll be able to reach his ceiling or end up as a PP specialist. LA shouldn't be in a rush though. Another year of control before RFA status,» Robinson wrote on X.
Clarke has failed to develop in the Kings system as a defenseman but still produces at an impressive clip.
This season in 55 games, he's scored 25 points ( 4 G, 21 A) for the Kings, and is projected to be a top-four defenseman in his prime.
While Jones has failed to crack the Rangers lineup and could use a change of scenery, Los Angeles could be it after this season he's only scored 9 points ( 1 G, 8 A) in 31 games.
