As the weeks move closer to the Feb. 24 trade deadline, expect Chris Kreider’s name to be continually linked with several Stanley Cup contenders.
Cody Glenn-USA TODAY Sports After all, Kreider is an uncommon player in this league. His blazing speed and finishing ability makes him difficult to contain. Add in his dominant net-front presence and success at winning puck battles – and opponents really have their hands full.
Put Kreider in the right situation and he could make the difference between a first-round exit and a Stanley Cup championship parade in June. Supplemental scoring is a huge factor in the playoffs. A contender would stand to benefit tremendously with Kreider added to the mix in a second line and power play role.
Ever since Taylor Hall landed in Arizona, Kreider has been the hot commodity. Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton can expect a bidding war once the trade market takes shape – but that’s only if the Rangers are ready to move the 28-year-old.
Kreider provided a fresh reminder of his value to the Rangers by netting the game-winning power play goal over the rival Islanders in Thursday’s 3-2 win at Nassau Coliseum. With 24.6 seconds remaining in regulation, the 6-foot-3 wing camped out in the low slot and shoveled in the rebound chance.
The Rangers are essentially at a crossroads with their longest-tenured forward. It’s either commit to an expensive seven-year extension or wave goodbye and get a maximum value return. If Kreider’s ask is near $7 million in annual salary, it could be tricky for the Blueshirts given the current stage of their rebuild.
If the Rangers are still a few years away from vying for Lord Stanley, why should they tie up $6.5-to-7 million of their cap to a forward who is yet to eclipse 53 points in a single season? If Kreider fails to emerge as a late bloomer offensively and loses some of his speed in his 30s, that kind of contract could be burdensome.
The decision to extend or trade Kreider will say a lot about how the Rangers view the progress of their rebuild. Locking him down to pricey, long-term pact would be a clear signal that the organization can see a Stanley Cup window opening.
Strong cases can be made whether to keep or trade Kreider. I don’t envy the tough call that Gorton, John Davidson and co. will need to make in the coming weeks.
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