Kreider remains most rumored Ranger to trade, this time to Edmonton

Updated:

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images)

Last night on the Hockey Night In Canada broadcast, Elliotte Friedman mentioned that the Oilers would be interested in Chris Kreider. This coming off the heels of rumors that the Montreal Canadiens could be looking at him also.Kreider is a really interesting name for Edmonton but how are they getting him? He won’t be cheap. He shouldn’t be cheap.

Why Kreider?

The 26 year old Chris Kreider has all the tools in the world except one, consistency. He drives fans mad because they see the potential but are far too often rewarded with no show nights and boneheaded penalties.

Last season was a career best for Kreider, notching 28 goals and 53 points in 75 games. Coming off that kind of year, expectations were high but thus far he has 2 goals and 5 points in 12 games.

The Oilers are looking for scoring on the wings and have a plethora of centers to deal which the Rangers need. A deal between these two teams appears to make sense from that standpoint.

Who from Edmonton?

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins name comes up immediately. The 24 year old center has already played 6 seasons in the NHL but has been a disappointment since Connor McDavid came on the scene. After posting back to back 56 point campaigns and 34 points in 55 games, RNH dropped to just 43 in 82 last year.

The good news is that he has 4 goals and 6 points in 10 games this season. A change of scenery and more playing time in NY might be a huge lift for him. The bad news is he makes 6 million a season and the Rangers would likely need to make a minor move to fit him in.

Another less expensive and far less interesting player is Ryan Strome. The center is 24 years old and makes much less than RNH at $832K. He also produces a lot less. However, the move would add over $3M in cap space and could be a precursor for another move for a center.

Is There A Real Possibility Here?

Friedman sounded more speculative than anything last night, so at this time let’s say no. However, Kreider continues to be the most mentioned roster player in the rumor mill so him being traded has some real smoke here.

By Anthony Scultore

Anthony Scultore has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL since 2014. His work also appears at... More about Anthony Scultore

Mentioned in this article:

More About: