3 Rangers' trade candidates after the holiday roster freeze

The New York Rangers will enter the holiday break outside of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. GM Chris Drury hasn't been shy to make some significant changes to the Rangers' roster this season, and it's become quite obvious the team hasn't met his expectations.

Captain Jacob Trouba traded, former second-overall pick Kaapo Kakko traded, it's only a matter of time before more moves come down the pipe for Drury and company. Here's three Rangers' trade candidates to keep an eye on after the holiday break:

Chris Kreider

When the reports first came out about the Rangers' interest in big trades from Elliotte Friedman, he was quick to mention Jacob Trouba and Chris Kreider's names as potential targets. Kreider 11 goals and just one assist for 12 points in 29 games. Kreider has a 15-team no-trade clause, and is signed for $6.5 million AAV through the 2026-27 season. If Kreider gets dealt, look for teams in the Western Conference to potentially be involved include the Los Angeles Kings, Dallas Stars and Utah HC.

Reilly Smith

Smith is one of the only pending unrestricted free agents on the Rangers' roster, and if the team isn't able to find their game in early January, look for trade talks around Smith to escalate. The veteran winger has seven goals 16 points in 31 games this season, and carries a $3.75-million cap hit on the Rangers' books. Smith has an eight-team no-trade clause, and will have some say in the matter.

Filip Chytil

The 25-year-old former first-round pick has been involved in trade rumors the past two seasons, and once again, could be a Ranger who interests other teams. Chytil has posted six goals and 12 points in 25 games this season, and is signed through the 2026-27 season at $4.4 million AAV. Chytil does not have any trade protection and Drury will be able to listen to all suitors in trade talks. 

The Rangers have acquired a couple of depth defensemen and some mid-round draft capital in the Trouba and Kakko trades. If they decide to continue to sell off some of their assets, look for Drury and company to try and re-tool on the fly, as appose to looking to acquire prospects and draft capital.

Photo credit:  Danny Wild-Imagn Images