There's been a fascinating trade proposed for the New York Rangers, which sees him sent to their Metropolitan Division rivals, the Columbus Blue Jackets.![Chris Kreider vs Blue Jackets]()
With the New York Rangers' failure to make the playoffs in 2025, they'll need to re-evaluate the lineup this offseason. That could involve moving some of the players who have been considered the "core" for the longest time.
That could mean moving someone like Chris Kreider, whose production declined immensely this year. He scored a total of 30 points (22 goals, 8 assists) in 68 games.
This only so soon after a 75-point season in 2023-2024, and a 54-point season in 2022-2023, each one he scored 30+ goals or more.
NHL Insider Arthur Staple of The Athletic proposed an interesting trade for Chris Kreider.
«Trade Kreider to the Columbus Blue Jackets for a pair of third-round picks,» Staple wrote in a step of the Rangers' ideal offseason.
Kreider could step into the Blue Jackets' offense as a top-six forward and provide more firepower that the team could use.
They could also shoulder the last two years of his $6.5 million AAV and $45.5 million contract.
«Drury has proved adept at moving contracts without needing to retain,» Staple added. «So as long as Columbus isn't on Kreider's 15-team no-trade list, the Jackets might be interested in Kreider's veteran leadership and power-play capabilities on a very young team. Again, not seeking much of a return here, just freeing up money and a roster spot.»,
Kreider has been shopped before earlier in the season, but due to an injury whatever interest the player had, waned immediately when he was candid about the back issues he was suffering from.
He hopes he won't be moved in July, as he considers New York his home. But given how GM Chris Drury operates, it's doubtful that the current status quo will remain, considering the moves that have taken place over the last year.
