NHL Rumors: 3 Potential Trade Destinations for Rangers' Chris Kreider

The eye-opening—but not really surprising at all—healthy scratch of Chris Kreider by the New York Rangers on Sunday has added further fuel to the fire that GM Chris Drury really might be considering trading the longest-tenured Blueshirt.

Kreider has been a lightning rod for all the chaos surrounding the Rangers this season. His struggles—12 points and only one assist in 30 games—have made him one of the focal points in a disastrous season on Broadway. Drury already sent out signals around the league that Kreider is on the trade block, and the benching earlier this week further demonstrated it.

With that in mind, here are three potential trade fits for the Rangers assistant captain.

Utah Hockey Club

The HC have certainly turned it around in recent weeks, going 8-2-3 in their last 13 games, putting them right in the thick of the Wild Card hunt. With their goal of a playoff berth, adding a player of Kreider's pedigree would be a big splash. With plenty of cap space, they have the room to take on Kreider's $6.5M cap hit for the next two and a half seasons. Utah also has the draft assets, including three second-rounders in 2026, to get a deal done. Kreider's goal-scoring abilities around the net would give them a presence they don't have in abundance.

Boston Bruins

The Bruins are 31st in the league in power play %. Kreider has the third-most power play goals in the NHL over the past five years. Need we say more? Kreider's skills in the front of the net would be a perfect fit in Beantown, and he was born in the Boston area. Despite his struggles this season, the nine-time 20-goal scorer could be a just what the Bruins need.

Buffalo Sabres

Now here's a team that could really use a player who has a great net-front presence, can score, and play with physicality. Notwithstanding their 7-1 win over the NY Islanders Monday night, the Sabres have been a team in turmoil this season and have been looking to make a big move to turn things around. Their power play is 29th in the league. However, Kreider's age (33), the remaining money on his contract, and his 15-team no-trade clause could make a move to Buffalo difficult.