Chris Kreider’s time in the Big Apple may end sooner than fans anticipated. The New York Rangers left winger and alternate captain could potentially be on the trade block, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
In the aftermath of their 6-2 loss in Edmonton on Saturday, the Rangers have made it very clear they are interested in making moves and shaking up their roster.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) November 25, 2024
Among the names indicated are Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba, although other options will be considered.
The possible shakeup comes at an interesting time. It is still early in the season, the trade deadline is not for another 3.5 months, and the Rangers are fourth in the conference with a 12-7-1 record. However, they have dropped their last three games, most recently to the Blues in a 5-2 stomping.
Kreider is 33 years old and in his 13th season with the Blueshirts. In 2024, he has tallied nine goals, zero assists, a -1 rating, 24 hits, and a 17.3 shot percentage in 19 games. The American is currently out with an upper-body injury and will miss at least one game.
The Rangers trading away Chris Kreider may be one of the biggest mistakes the franchise could make. Not only is he one of the best players to wear the New York jersey, but if he were to stay with the team for the rest of his career, he could go down as the best Ranger of all time.
New York seems to be in an unnecessary panic mode. They have just six fewer points this year than they did last year through 19 games. Yes, they are five points behind the division-leading Devils, but they also have four games in hand. Sending away a cornerstone player is not the answer for this team, especially when that cornerstone player is Chris Kreider.
He means too much to this team to be traded just because Chris Drury wants a “shakeup.” Kreider is a fan favorite, has a big voice in the locker room, plays with grit and heart, and has shown up in the playoffs. Shipping him away will drastically change the atmosphere in the locker room and the chemistry on the ice. There is no place where number 20 will be valued like he is in New York. Whatever the return is, it won't be worth the loss.
Career Stats
834 games played, 313 goals, 248 assists, 561 points, 15.2 shot percentage, 341 blocks, 1,538 hits, 48 game-winning goals, and 113 power-play goals.