Chris Kreider's Trade Value May Surprise Everyone This Offseason

If the New York Rangers trade Chris Kreider this summer, can they do so without retaining any of his salary?

With Kreider still under contract for another two years at a cap of $6.5 million, there’s a growing belief that it will be difficult for the Blueshirts to dump off Kreider’s entire salary. 

However, one NHL insider believes that there could be a bigger market for the veteran forward than many people may actually think. .

“This was a really tough year for him and he still ended up with 22 goals,” NHL insider Frank Seravalli said of Kreider. “I look at that contract and say ‘$6.5 million?’ If I’m a team starving for goals, I’m all over that because I’m thinking he’s going to have a bounce-back year.”

The 34-year-old forward is just one season removed from recording 39 goals, 36 assists, and 75 points before having a down year, so it’s not far-fetched to say he’ll bounce back. 

Also, Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury has a track record of being able to dump off salary scott-free, specifically with Jacob Trouba and Barclay Goodrow. 

Expect the unexpected this summer regarding Kreider and the Rangers.