The New York Rangers may be “shaking up their roster” in the near future. Following Saturday’s 6-2 loss to the Edmonton Oilers, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman says the Rangers “have made it very clear they are interested in making moves.” Even though New York’s 12-6-1 record is strong enough for the Eastern Conference’s first wild-card spot, general manager Chris Drury is clearly dissatisfied with his team’s makeup. The report does not end there, however. Friedman went so far as to name two key Rangers players who the team is willing to trade: captain Jacob Trouba and long-time fan favorite Chris Kreider.
Trading Kreider or Trouba would undoubtedly send a message to the rest of the Rangers’ lineup. Trouba has been with the franchise since 2019, and Kreider was picked 19th overall by New York in 2009. However, it is hardly surprising that the Rangers are considering replacing their skipper. Trouba, who has two years left on his seven-year contract, has been the subject of trade rumors throughout the offseason.
The Rangers reportedly sought for the veteran defenseman’s 15-team no-trade list, but nothing came of it. “I don’t believe there was any hatred throughout the entire event. Trouba informed ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski in September that he owed them the list by June 30th, according to his contract. “There is a deadline. “It’s just standard contract business.”
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As trade rumors faded, Rangers fans quickly became tired of Trouba as the 2024-25 season began. The experienced defender’s play has left much to be desired, as he has no goals and six assists in 19 appearances. He is only averaging 0.32 points per game, marking the third straight season in which his productivity rate has decreased. Kreider’s status as a trade candidate, on the other hand, is rather unexpected. After all, the grizzled forward has been with the Rangers for more than 15 years and has been one of their most consistent performers during that time.
The former Boston College player has scored at least 36 goals in each of the previous three seasons and is on track for 39 this season, with nine goals in 19 games.
At the same time, the Rangers have failed to win a Stanley Cup with Kreider, and GM Drury may decide it’s time to split ways. The 33-year-old winger has two years left on his deal, with a $6.5 million budget charge per season, which might appeal to any bidder looking to add a goal-scoring presence to their roster. Whether the Rangers trade Kreider, Troube, or someone else, it will most likely be for another impact player. Even if the season hasn’t gone as planned, New York is still on track for 108 points and will do everything it can to reestablish itself as a Stanley Cup contender.
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