GM Chris Drury could find a way to retool the organization, and one of the ways is sending veteran players out to greener pastures in the NHL. One of those is Boxford, Massachusetts born forward, Chris Kreider who is catching the eye of the Boston Bruins.
The New York Rangers may not have to do much digging to find a trade partner in order to move Chris Kreider, as the retool marches on.
Kreider has seen a decline in his production with the Rangers after a turbulent 2024-2025 season, scoring only 30 points (22 goals, 8 assists).
But worst of all, the $45.5 million contract always looks good when he's playing at an elite level of hockey for Kreider, which for him is 30+ goal and 70-point seasons in the NHL.
While Kreider desires to stay in New York and Madison Square Garden, there may be a mutual split regardless.
New York Rangers Insider Phil Kocher:
«There is a strong sense that the feeling is mutual Kreider recognizes that the relationship has run its course.»
While Kreider has two years left on his $6.5 million AAV deal, his performance has made him a liability for the team, which is in win-now mode.
A fresh start could be what's needed for both the Rangers and Kreider.
We've seen how ruthless and cunning Chris Drury can be when he wants to get things done. He's moved Barclay Goodrow, Kaapo Kakko, Jacob Trouba, Ryan Lindgren, and other former Rangers who haven't been successful as of late.
Kreider may be next on the list.
Big? Bad? Bruins?!
The Bruins certainly have been that, but not in the way we've seen them in the past, when they were a juggernaut. Now, they're just hoping to add some scoring talent, which could come from Chris Kreider.
With a dismal power-play ranked 29th, Kreider could add some meaningful presence to the special teams for Boston. However, they may have to give up a haul to acquire him.
The Bruins are considering sending Pavel Zacha, Fabian Lysell, and a 2026 first-round draft pick to the Rangers in exchange for Kreider. Zacha is a 28-year-old center with a $4.75 million cap hit. Lysell is a Swedish rookie winger who spent most of the season in the AHL. He has a cap hit of $863,000. The Bruins would also need to move additional salary or get the Rangers to retain part of Kreider's contract, since Boston currently has only $744,000 in cap space.
During the 2021-2022 NHL Season, Kreider scored a total of 26 power-play goals, and maybe a fresh start in Boston could see him rejuvenate his career and give Boston an edge they've been missing for some time.
