According to Pierre LeBrun, Chris Kreider is getting a ton of interest right now on the trade market and “at least eight teams” are reportedly pursuing talks with the New York Rangers.
On the latest edition of TSN’s Insider Trading LeBrun says things are heating up when it comes to Kreider’s situation in New York and while he’s unable to clarify the names of the eight teams kicking tires, he suggests the offers have reached similar levels to what the Rangers received for Kevin Hayes last season — a first-round pick and a young forward.
LeBrun also notes there could be room for the Rangers to talk a contract extension with Kreider still but none of those talks have happened to date.
Kreider: What’s Not to Love?
Kreider, who is now 28, has 17 goals and 32 points in 48 games this season. But, it’s not necessarily his production that are getting teams so interested. What other franchises are coveting is his consistent speed and physical style of play. And, if there was any doubt about how fast Kreider is, remember, he placed third in the Fastest Skater competition at the All-Star festivities.
He’s got size and speed, he’s got experience and he’s among the best of the best available at this year’s deadline. Clearly, the Rangers stand to get a good haul for him should they decide to move him.
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Kreider Has Some Control Over Where He Goes
One thing that could stand in the way is that Kreider holds 11-team no-trade list that he’ll likely use since he’s not keen on leaving New York. LeBrun was not able to clarify if the eight teams who were interested were on any list Kreider might have submitted as no-go destinations. When asked about the chances of him being traded, Kreider told New York Post’s Brett Cyrgalis at the All-Star Game:
“It really doesn’t [cross my mind], and I know people probably roll their eyes when I say that, but I’m really trying to focus on things — I’m not trying, I am focusing on the things I can control.”
Considering Kreider stands to make a lot of money in free agency, and that is one thing he can control. For now, he’s being viewed as a rental so the likelihood is, teams that are interested are contenders. And, it appears there is so much interest, it will be hard to the Rangers to pass up the opportunity presented prior to Feb 24.
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