Did Rangers Send Trade Statement?: Kreider a Healthy Scratch vs. Devils

Could we see another trade from the New York Rangers after the NHL trade freeze lifts? It seems like we could be. The Rangers have listed Chris Kreider as a healthy scratch against the New Jersey Devils. The afternoon game today is their last game before the Christmas break.

Mollie Walker of the New York Post writes that this is a big statement being sent by head coach Peter Laviolette. She notes, “After Kaapo Kakko served as a healthy scratch in St. Louis, Laviolette is now sitting a veteran down to try and send a message to both Kreider and the rest of the team.” Walker does acknowledge that there might be more going on.

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She notes:

Kreider also missed three games at the end of November with back spasms, which surfaced shortly after president and general manager Chris Drury cited the 33-year-old wing as available in a league-wide trade memo.

Chris Kreider Drama Starts

It has been widely known around the NHL that the Rangers have listed Kreider as a trade candidate ahead of the 2025 Trade Deadline. But now it seems like it could happen as soon as the trade freeze is lifted. If this plays out anything like it did with the Kaapo Kakko situation, the Rangers will be working the phones to look to move on from him.

Kreider, 33, has been a key contributor to the organization in past seasons. Unfortunately, the team has struggled this year, losing seven of their last ten games. Adding to the challenges, the team has been surrounded by ongoing drama, making it even more difficult for players to perform under the pressure of such a demanding market.

Kreider’s play has dropped off significantly this season. In 30 games with the Rangers, he has 11 goals with one assist. He is currently in the fifth season of a seven-year deal with an AAV of $6.5 million.

Back in November, NHL insider Chris Johnston reported that the Rangers were willing to move on from both Jacob Trouba and Kreider if the price was right.

 “Specifically mentioned Trouba and Kreider as veteran Rangers players that he’d be willing to move on from under the right circumstances”

The NHL trade freeze is over on Dec 27, meaning it may only be a few more days until we see yet another Rangers trade.

It looks like Kreider could have played his last game as a member of the Rangers.

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