The New York Rangers have had a tough season, and one proposed trade has them parting ways with star forward Chris Kreider in a significant blockbuster deal.
Using the PuckGM tool from PuckPedia, which allows users to create their own trade scenarios, one user suggested a trade that would send Kreider to the Minnesota Wild. While the details of the proposed deal aren’t specified, the move would mark a major shakeup for the Rangers, who are struggling and facing difficult decisions about their roster.
Rangers acquire:
The proposed trade involving Chris Kreider would be a major blockbuster, with the Rangers sending their star forward to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for Ryan Hartman and a 2026 first-round pick. This deal would significantly alter the Rangers’ core as they look to shake things up, while the Wild add Kreider to bolster their lineup for a Stanley Cup push.
Hartman, currently in the first year of a three-year, $12 million contract, would provide the Rangers with a middle-six forward who adds size and physicality to the lineup. So far this season, he has played in 29 games, recording 4 goals and 3 assists for 7 points.
On the other side, Kreider, who is in the fifth year of his seven-year, $45.5 million deal, would be a key addition to the Wild’s top line, complementing star winger Kirill Kaprizov. Kreider has been productive this season, playing 30 games with 11 goals and 1 assist for 12 points. His offensive ability and leadership would be a significant boost to Minnesota as they push for the postseason.
Rangers Healthy Scratch Kreider
Chris Kreider, a key player for the New York Rangers, was a healthy scratch on December 23, marking a bold move by the team amid their struggles this season. This decision comes as Kreider’s name has surfaced in trade discussions, with him topping The Athletic’s trade bait board.
Kreider has been well below his usual offensive output, leading to his demotion to the fourth line during a loss to St. Louis on Sunday. Despite his struggles, Kreider is still generating shots at a rate consistent with his career average, which could signal the potential for a rebound. He remains a strong skater for his size and is under a fair-market contract for two more seasons, with a 15-team no-trade list limiting potential destinations.
The Rangers have already traded Jacob Trouba and could now move Kreider as part of a larger effort to shake up the team’s core, making him a likely candidate to be moved in the near future.
Wild Off to Hot Start
The Minnesota Wild entered the season with hopes of competing for a final playoff spot, but they have exceeded expectations, sitting at 20-10-4 and firmly in playoff contention. A key reason for their success is Kirill Kaprizov, who is emerging as an MVP frontrunner. With 22 goals and 27 assists for 49 points in 33 games, Kaprizov has been a driving force behind the team’s strong performance.
Wild GM Bill Guerin praised Kaprizov’s motivation and the positive relationship he has with head coach John. “Kirill is motivated like very few guys. He’s always motivated, but I think him and John have created a really good relationship. I know John’s communicating with him all the time. Kirill is a special player, but even special players want to be talked to, communicated with, helped, and I think that with the way that they’re interacting, it’s beneficial to Kirill.”
With the Wild off to a strong start, they are expected to be buyers as the trade deadline approaches, looking to further bolster their roster for a playoff push.
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