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.
