Rangers and Kreider Should Split the Difference On New Deal Soon
Chris Kreider scores on Brodeur. (AP)
Chris Kreider wants 2.8 million. The Rangers want to pay him an average of 2.05 million for 2 seasons. All this according to Larry Brooks of the NY Post, should be enough for the Rangers and Kreider to find middle ground at about 2.5 million per year.
This would certainly be best for both parties and avoid salary arbitration all together. Because if it gets there, it could become uncomfortable. That’s where arguments will be made against Kreider citing more of his negatives than accentuating the positives.
Larry Brooks touches on these by stating how he was unable to cut it out of camp, starting the season in the AHL. Digging deeper, he talks how the Rangers will certainly remind the arbitrator how Alain Vigneault didn’t trust him late in games with a lead.
Now, Kreider is aware of this, however it still hurts a lot more when those thoughts are put on lips and spoken. Still, the Rangers know Kreider is the future and this is a necessary bridge deal for both parties.
These two years will give the Rangers time to figure out exactly what they have in Kreider. It will also lineup with the end of Dan Boyle’s 4.5M contract. Subsequently, if MSL were to sign a 1 year deal after this season at age 40, it will also align perfectly.
What does that mean? Well if Chris Kreider turns into a mega-star, the Rangers would have about 10 million to pay him.
Tomorrow, the arbitration date is set. With any luck, I will be updating this article with the good news of a deal today.
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