By Christopher Hennessy | Last updated Mar 5, 2025, 5:10 PM ET
The New York Rangers have undergone significant changes this season, including trading players like Jacob Trouba, Kaapo Kakko, and Ryan Lindgren, while also acquiring JT Miller. General manager Chris Drury made it clear early on that both Trouba and Chris Kreider were available for trade. However, as the trade deadline approaches, USA Today’s Vince Mercogliano suggests that a deal involving Kreider might not materialize immediately.
According to Mercogliano, “One league source believes a trade is still possible this week, but others point to a summer transaction as the more likely scenario.” Kreider, who has two years left on his contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million, isn’t an urgent situation. Nonetheless, indications suggest the Rangers may be preparing to part ways with their all-time leading playoff goal-scorer.
Mercogliano further reported that Kreider is being actively discussed in trade conversations and could be moved for the right deal. However, with the Rangers currently in a playoff position, this might complicate matters for Drury. The team may find themselves trading players even if they reach the playoffs.
Since acquiring JT Miller on January 31, the Rangers have gone 7-4, securing a playoff spot in a competitive Eastern Conference. Despite this success, they have still moved Lindgren and forward Jimmy Vesey to the Colorado Avalanche, indicating Drury’s intent to refresh the roster for the 2025-26 season and provide a strong squad for Igor Shesterkin, which is crucial for any Stanley Cup aspirations, especially with Artemi Panarin’s contract nearing its end.
Kreider will be 35 when he needs a new contract after the 2025-26 season, which makes it likely that the Rangers won’t re-sign him after this deal. Thus, trading him to a team willing to take on his full contract could help the Rangers prepare for free agency to find his replacement.
As the trade deadline looms on Friday, it remains to be seen whether the Rangers will trade Kreider or possibly look to add a player to enhance their playoff chances in the Eastern Conference.
