The New York Rangers are in the thick of the playoff race but could still consider selling assets before the March 7 trade deadline.
A user on PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool suggested a potential blockbuster trade, proposing that the Rangers send Chris Kreider to the Los Angeles Kings.
This deal would bring the Rangers a promising young defenseman in Clarke, who has the potential to become a top-pairing blueliner.
Kreider, currently in the fifth season of a seven-year, $45.5 million contract, has been the subject of trade discussions throughout the season. With New York struggling, he could be on the move. The 32-year-old winger has tallied 17 goals and 4 assists (21 points) in 48 games and would provide Los Angeles with a physical, goal-scoring presence in their top six.
Jones, a depth defenseman, would serve as Clarke’s replacement for the Kings. The 23-year-old is set to become a free agent this offseason and has registered 1 goal and 8 assists (9 points) in 31 games.
In return, New York would land Clarke, a 22-year-old defenseman selected eighth overall in the 2021 NHL Draft. Clarke has struggled to establish himself in Los Angeles’ lineup and might benefit from a fresh start. He has recorded 4 goals and 21 assists (25 points) in 55 games and would likely slot into New York’s top four, becoming a key part of their defensive core moving forward.
Proposed Trade:
Kings receive:
- Chris Kreider ($3.3 million salary retained)
- Zachary Jones
Rangers receive:
- Brandt Clarke
Kings Shopping Clarke
Despite being projected as a major piece of their future, Clarke hasn’t cemented his role with the Kings. With the trade deadline approaching, his name has surfaced in trade discussions.
According to insider Cam Robinson, Clarke is actively being shopped:
“Speaking to some people around the league, I think it’s fair to say that Brandt Clarke is actively available. Internal discussions have teams wondering if he’ll be able to reach his ceiling or end up as a PP specialist. LA shouldn’t be in a rush though. Another year of control before RFA status,” Robinson posted on X.
Currently on the Kings’ third defensive pairing, Clarke remains one of their most valuable trade assets as the deadline nears.
Rangers Considering Moving Kreider
Kreider has been a longtime fixture for the Rangers, but reports suggest a split may be inevitable.
Rangers reporter Vincent Z. Mercogliano of Lohud stated:
“My sense is that the Rangers are heading toward an eventual split with their longest-tenured player, Chris Kreider. He’s been on the trade block since Drury included his name in that memo, and while the rumors have quieted down in the months since, two people with knowledge of the situation told lohud.com that New York remains motivated to move him.”
However, Mercogliano believes a move is more likely to happen in the offseason:
“I had been hearing Kreider could be dealt before the deadline. But it’s hard to imagine his current status on injured reserve won’t hurt those odds… One league source believes a trade is still possible this week. But others point to a summer transaction as the more likely scenario. But whether it’s now or later, signs are pointing toward the Rangers parting ways with the franchise’s all-time leading playoff goal-scorer.”
As of now, the Rangers hold a 31-26-4 record and occupy the final Wild Card spot.