Trade Pitch Has Rangers Dealing $45.5 Million Star in Blockbuster

The New York Rangers have faced significant challenges this season, and one trade suggestion involves them trading a star forward in a major blockbuster move.

Using the PuckGM tool from PuckPedia, which allows users to create their own trade scenarios, one user proposed a trade sending Chris Kreider from the Rangers to the Minnesota Wild.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rangers acquire:

• Ryan Hartman
• 2026 first-round pick

 

Wild acquire:

• Chris Kreider

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The proposed trade would be a major move, with the Rangers sending Chris Kreider to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for Ryan Hartman and a first-round pick. This deal would be significant as the Wild strengthen their lineup for a Stanley Cup push, while the Rangers look to shake up their roster once again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hartman, in the first year of a three-year, $12 million contract, would provide the Rangers with a middle-six forward and additional size. He has played 29 games this season, recording 4 goals and 3 assists for 7 points.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kreider, currently in the fifth year of his seven-year, $45.5 million deal, would join the Wild’s top line, potentially boosting their offense alongside Kirill Kaprizov. This season, Kreider has played 30 games, scoring 11 goals and 1 assist for 12 points.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rangers Healthy Scratch Kreider

Despite being a key player for the Rangers, Chris Kreider was a healthy scratch on December 23. New York, struggling this season, made the bold decision to sit Kreider, especially as his name has surfaced in trade rumors, with Kreider topping The Athletic’s trade bait list.

The Athletic article noted that Kreider has fallen off his usual goal-scoring and point-producing pace, leading to his demotion to the fourth line during Sunday’s loss in St. Louis. As the longest-tenured Ranger, Kreider is likely feeling the weight of the team’s current struggles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

However, despite his difficulties, Kreider is still generating shots at a rate consistent with his career average, which may suggest a potential rebound. He remains a strong skater for his size and is signed to a reasonable contract for the next two seasons, with the ability to block trades to only half of the league through a 15-team no-trade list.

With the Rangers already trading Jacob Trouba, they may now consider moving Kreider as part of a further shake-up of their core.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wild Off to Hot Start

Minnesota entered the season with hopes of vying for a playoff spot, but the Wild have exceeded expectations, currently sitting at 20-10-4 and securely in a playoff position. A major factor in their success is Kirill Kaprizov, who is an MVP frontrunner with 22 goals and 27 assists for 49 points in 33 games.

Wild GM Bill Guerin praised Kaprizov’s motivation, noting his strong relationship with head coach John, who stays in constant communication with the star player.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Kirill is a special player, but even special players want to be talked to, communicated with, helped, and I think that with the way that they’re interacting, it’s beneficial to Kirill,” Guerin said.

With Minnesota’s strong start, they are likely to be active buyers as the trade deadline approaches.