Chris Kreider to add scoring depth
Another Rangers outcast, Chris Kreider has been the subject of ongoing trade rumours of late. Again, just about every contender is said to be interested in Kreider. And yes, Kreider is a good hockey player. He’s a former 50-goal scorer. However, that was nearly three seasons ago.
In fact, Kreider’s 52-goal season in 2021-22 seems like an outlier. He hadn’t even topped 30 goals in a season prior to that huge 50-goal campaign. Then, his production has steadily declined. While he did score 39 last season, he’s down to 11 in 30 games this season.
At 33, Kreider isn’t getting any younger. He’s still got two more seasons at $6.5 million. This contract, along with Kreider’s declining production makes him virtually untradable at this point. The Rangers would have to accept a bag of pucks and goalie pads like they did for Trouba.
So, why would the Toronto Maple Leafs commit valuable resources into an aging winger? I could see him as a rental for this year’s playoff run. But to bring his massive cap hit on for two more years? Even with the cap going up next season, there’s no plausible explanation for the Leafs to make such an insane move.
Unless Brad Treliving suddenly becomes unhinged, trading for Kreider, and all the ramifications involved in making the deal work, would be nothing short of mind-boggling.
If the Leafs are set on adding winger depth, a player on an expiring contract would be more palatable. Otherwise, the Leafs had better not touch Kreider even with a ten-foot pole. Better players should become available as the season draws closer to the trade deadline.
So, Brad Treliving would do well to exercise patience at this juncture of the season.