New York Rangers: How much is Chris Kreider worth?

So, what about Kreider?

If you look at the list, based on his statistics, a reasonable deal from the Rangers’ perspective would be around $5.5 million for five years.  Those are the numbers that Kevin Hayes was seeking. and the Blueshirts were not willing to pay.   Anything more than that would be a non-starter and the team should let him play out his deal and trade him at the deadline.

The problem is that Kreider and his agent will undoubtedly look at the windfalls for Pacioretty, Van Riemsdyk and Kane and ask for more than $5.5 million.  The Rangers have established a threshold with the $5.35 million that they are paying Mika Zibanejad.  I doubt there is anyone who believes that Chris Kreider deserves to be be paid more than Zibanejad, the team’s best player.

Something to watch

There is no rush to get Kreider under contract.  Theoretically, they have the option of extending him right up to the trade deadline next February.   A negotiation worth watching will be what the Islanders do with Anders Lee.  Lee is 28 years old and he has averaged 0.41 GPG, slightly more than Kreider, and 0.67 PGP, exactly the same as Kreider.

Lee is an unrestricted free agent and is coming off a three year deal that paid him $3.75 million.  All indications are that the team captain wants to remain an Islander and the Isles want him back.  He hit the 40 goal mark last season and had 34 goals the year before,  numbers Kreider has not come close to achieving.  Offensively, Lee is having a bit of a down year this season, but considering the Islanders’ success and focus on defense, it isn’t a surprise.

The options

There are three options facing the Rangers when it comes to Kreider.

1. Sign him longterm – They should do this only if they can get him on their terms, at a salary comparable to what they are paying ZIbanejad. There should be no no-movement clauses in the deal.
2. Trade him at the deadline – Kreider could be quite a trading chip at the deadline next February. As much of a disappointment he has been, power forwards with his speed and size who can score  25-30 goals a year are at a premium.  He could garner a first round pick and more at the deadline.
3. Trade him now – If the Rangers could find a team who wants him, depending on what the team does with free agency (Panarin), the Blueshirts could make him part of a package for a stud defenseman.   Any team acquiring him would get him for one year at a bargain rate and would have the chance to extend him.

When Chris Kreider is on top of his game, he is a feared offensive threat.  His strength and speed are tremendous and he can take over a game. The issue with him is that it hasn’t happened enough.

The Rangers have waited six years for him to have that breakout season.  Now, they have to decide if it is worth waiting for and at what price.

All salary statistics courtesy of capfriendly.com