NHL: Los Angeles Kings at New York Rangers - Source: Imagn — Vancouver reporter floats idea of Canucks trading for $45.5 million Rangers forward to boost scoring depth (Image Source: Imagn)

Vancouver reporter floats idea of Canucks trading for $45.5 million Rangers forward to boost scoring depth

Modified Dec 26, 2024 12:57 GMT

New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider could become a trade target for the Vancouver Canucks, according to Adam Kierszenblat of The Hockey News.

With the Rangers in free fall, the rumor mill is in overdrive, particularly regarding a potential trade involving Kreider. It’s worth noting that nearly every contender in the league could express interest in the former 50-goal scorer.

If they are going to add on the wing, one player to keep an eye on is Chris Kreider, who would be a massive boost to the Canucks scoring depth.

However, trading Kreider may pose challenges. He is in the fifth year of a seven-year, $45.5 million contract, according to PuckPedia. With a cap hit of $6.5 million per season, contenders may hesitate to pursue a trade for Chris Kreider due to cap constraints.

"Someone told me the Canucks called the Rangers about Chris Kreider. But my guess is Vancouver is probably on Kreider's no-trade list - he's got a healthy one, I think, 15 teams. Rangers sent out feelers that Kreider and [Jacob] Trouba were available, so every team called, including the Canucks," quoted by Canucks Daily's Maverick Mitchell.

The Vancouver Canucks, however, could benefit from adding a winger like Kreider to bolster their scoring depth, particularly given recent scoring struggles from top players such as Jake DeBrusk, Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser.

But as Kierszenblat pointed out, the projected increase in the salary cap next season and beyond could make it easier for teams to absorb Kreider’s cap hit.

Another factor to consider is Kreider’s 15-team no-trade clause, which allows him to veto trades to specific teams. This means Kreider could block a potential deal to Vancouver or any other West Coast team.

While there is no indication that Kreider would refuse a trade to Vancouver or another Canadian team, it remains uncertain whether he would agree to such a move.

Unless the Rangers can turn their season around in the coming weeks, Kreider’s name is likely to remain a focal point of trade rumors.

Making a Kreider deal work for the Vancouver Canucks

Kierszenblat also speculates that the Canucks might need to trade a current roster player to accommodate Kreider’s contract under their salary cap.

Per PuckPedia, the Vancouver Canucks have just under $4.5 million in available cap space. However, over $7 million of that cap space is tied to long-term injured reserve (LTIR). To make a Kreider trade work, Vancouver may need to move a contract such as Danton Heinen’s $2.25 million cap hit.

There is also the possibility that the Rangers could retain part of Kreider’s salary. However, doing so would likely increase the cost for Vancouver, possibly requiring the inclusion of a first-round draft pick.

This means the Canucks must weigh the Rangers’ willingness to move Kreider against the price of acquiring him. A mutually favorable deal could allow Vancouver to enhance its scoring depth while giving the Rangers the cap flexibility needed to retool their roster.

As Kierszenblat pointed out, the Canucks have a history of pulling off significant trades. Last season’s trade deadline acquisition of Elias Lindholm demonstrated GM Patrik Allvin’s ability to execute major moves.

It might just be a matter of time before the Vancouver Canucks surprise the NHL world with a blockbuster trade involving Chris Kreider.