On Monday, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that the New York Rangers have made it clear that he is ready to shake up their roster.
Friedman named left winger Chris Kreider as one of the available players, and he should draw a lot of interest.
After their 6-2 loss in Edmonton on Saturday, the Rangers made it very clear that they are interested in making moves and shaking up their roster.
Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba are among the names listed, although other options will be considered.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) November 25, 2024
Kreider is a steady 30-goal threat who also plays a very tough game. His scoring pace is down a bit from previous seasons, with nine goals and no assists in 19 games, but he has proven to be a difference maker with four game-winning goals.
Let’s look at three specific clubs that could get him.
Buffalo Sabres
It’s no secret that the Buffalo Sabers want to bring in a proven top-six winger. The Sabers would make a lot of sense as a potential suitor for the Boxford, Massachusetts native.
Images by Dennis Schneidler-Imagno
If the Sabers were to acquire Kreider, he could be the perfect addition to one of their top two lines and power plays. The Sabers also have cap space to pick up his $6.5 million through the end of the 2026-27 season.
Kreider would be an excellent target for a surging Sabers club looking to snap a 13-year playoff drought. However, Kreider has a 15-team no-trade list, so if the Sabers are on it, they need to prove they can be competitive enough for Kreider to leave a promising Rangers team for an Atlantic Division rival.
Detroit Red Wings
In the 2024/2025 season, the Detroit Red Wings were expected to take the next step and challenge for the playoffs.
Things have gone poorly for the Red Wings so far, as they are 9-10-2 and have won four of their last 10 games. They could use a major move right now.
Pictures by Rick Osentoski-Imagn
It’s fair to say the Red Wings would benefit from adding another top-six winger. Only Dylan Larkin has more goals than Kreider, and only four forwards have at least 10 points. Landing a scoring winger like Kreider could be incredible for an Original Six club.
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Utah Hockey Club
After spending big in the offseason, the Utah Hockey Club is 8-10-3. They have also gone in the wrong direction, winning just three of their last 10 games. Perhaps those struggles could prompt GM Bill Armstrong to try to push through and sign Kreider.
Images by Rob Gray-Imagno
Kreider would give Utah a significant upgrade to the second-line left wing spot currently occupied by Jack McBain. Having Clayton Keller, Chris Kreider, Mattias Maccelli and McBain on the left side would be fantastic depth.
Utah has about $7.78 million in cap space and trade assets, including three second-round picks in 2026, to make a potential Kreider trade. While the goal is to compete without sacrificing too much of the future for the moment, Kreider has shown he can still be effective in the long run. They should be a team to watch in the sweepstakes.
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