The New York Rangers have arguably been the biggest disappointing team in the NHL this season. At one point, the Rangers had a 12-4-1 record, but now have a 16-17-1 record following their embarrassing 5-0 loss against the New Jersey Devils today.
For a team that won the President's Trophy last season and was two wins away from playing in the Stanley Cup Finals, this season is shaping out to be one of the worst seasons in Rangers history.
Earlier this month, the Rangers traded then captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks. Still struggling since the Trouba trade, rumors of more trades will be speculating. Some Ranger players who could see themselves in trade rumors is 33-year-old Chris Kreider.
Today, Kreider was a healthy scratch in New York's loss to New Jersey. With being a healthy scratch, it could put Kreider's tenure with the Rangers in jeopardy. If the Rangers want to trade Kreider, the Ottawa Senators could have a case to make a trade for him, but also not to trade for him.
Senators case to trade and to not trade for Kreider
After this season, Kreider will have a $6.5 million cap hit per year until 2027 according to PuckPedia. For Kreider's play throughout his career, he's earned his contract. In 845 career games, Kreider has totaled for 564 points, but has always been known for his goal scoring. Kreider is third all-time in Rangers history with 315 goals.
In the 2021-22 season, Kreider recorded a career-high 52 goals. Over the next two seasons, Kreider recorded 35 goals or better. Kreider also has recorded the most goals in Rangers playoff history with 48.
However, this season has been a major drop off for Kreider. In 30 games this season, Kreider has 11 goals, but has one assist for a combined 12 points. Although Kreider is struggling this season, the case for trading for him is still a case for the Senators.
Case why- experience, leadership, powerplay boost, goal scoring and fresh start
Kreider has spent 13 seasons in the NHL and is currently the longest tenured Ranger. Kreider's experience with scoring goals and his leadership could help a young team like the Senators.
The Senators started hot this season hot powerplay, but it has struggled lately and dropping down to under 24 percent currently. Out of Kreider's 315 career goals, 114 of them have come on the powerplay. Kreider does have four powerplay goals this season to add a boost of offense.
With the Rangers struggling this season with Kreider, a fresh start on a new team could be needed for the 33-year-old to feel like his old-self. Kreider would be a good addition of depth to have.
However, there will always be reasons to not make a trade. For Kreider, there are reasons why the Senators shouldn't make a trade for him.
Case not to- Age, salary, "washed up," value could be too high and Senators-Rangers bitter rumors from earlier
For a player making $6.5 million at 33 years old and having only 12 points this season, it could be highly viewed as a "lost season" for Kreider. With his struggles, potential talk of being "washed up" may also start to spring.
The Rangers may also value Kreider too high with his solid NHL career. Kreider's two All-Star Game appearances could put more value on him. Even with Kreider's 12 points this season, the Rangers still could have a high value placed on him that isn't worth trading for, but this season has decreased Kreider's value in some way.
Can't talk about Rangers trade rumors without mentioning the rumors of the Rangers wanting to trade for Senators captain Brady Tkachuk from earlier this month. When trade rumors began with the Rangers wanting Tkachuk, Senators owner Michael Andlauer accused the Rangers of "soft tampering." The Senators may still be bitter and not want to do a trade with the Rangers anytime soon.
Kreider's future with the Rangers remains uncertain. If the Senators do want Kreider on the team, it could be a price to pay for a player who's had a solid career, but not trading for Kreider could also help the team as well.