The New York Rangers made many moves over the offseason to try and rebuild the team.
Now, the NHL is approaching the trade deadline at the end of this month.
There are many Rangers that are on the market. With that being said, many players have contracts ending. There are endless possibilities of what could happen.
Some players could leave, some may stay, etc. Some of these players include UFA Chris Kreider, UFA Greg McKegg, RFA Phillip di Giuseppe, RFA Alexandar Georgiev, and RFA Ryan Strome. Here are some of the possible scenarios for each of these players.
General Manager Jeff Gorton has plenty of decisions to make.
Chris Kreider
Left-Wing Chris Kreider has played with the New York Rangers since 2012, a total of eight years. Since then Kreider has 155 goals and 156 assists in his career. Kreider is a complete power forward with intense speed and a hard shot.
If Kreider were to be traded there are many teams that want in at the moment. Some including the Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, St. Louis Blues, and more. Kreider could be looking at a $7 million contract.
The Rangers will most likely get a top prospect and pick in return, or maybe possibly a one for one trade. If that were to happen the Rangers could get players like Louie DeBrusk or Anders Bjork. If Kreider were to re-sign, it seems that his contract offer could be less money than usual.
This would most likely result in the Rangers dealing another one or two free agents to pay Kreider. Players like Jesper Fast, Ryan Strome, or Tony DeAngelo could be dealt to have Kreider stay.
Ryan Strome
Center Ryan Strome hasn’t been with the Rangers long but has contributed. Strome has played with the Rangers for two years collecting 31 goals and 49 assists. If Strome were to re-sign with the Rangers again it most likely won’t be a large contract, especially if the Rangers want to keep other free agents. A one or two year deal would most likely occur, but Strome is probably looking to land a $3-$4 million deal.
On the other hand, Strome could be the interest of some teams. Strome could fit a team that’s in a playoff spot and is looking to have an extra forward. In return, the Rangers could receive draft picks, maybe a prospect. This will allow the Rangers to gain prospects that could be permanent with the team, plus make more cap space available.
Greg McKegg, Alexander Georgiev, Phillip di Giuseppe
When it comes to these three players they are similar in that their role with the team is a lot smaller than most of the Rangers free agents. Georgiev has proved to be a good backup goalie, but now with Shesterkin called up it’s most likely Shesterkin will get more starts. Georgiev will most likely be traded soon or at the NHL Draft, ending the three goalie situation.
When it comes to McKegg and di Giuseppe, both have a small role on the team and are definitely overshadowed by the other talent.
If anything, the Rangers might re-sign one of those two and deal the other.
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