If the Edmonton Oilers wished to enhance their top-six and seize a productive left-winger, one goal could be Chris Kreider of the New York Rangers. Whereas the Oilers aren’t precisely swimming in cap area, the Rangers are in an actual cap crunch and Kreider could be somebody new Oilers GM Ken Holland ought to kick tires on.
Why Kreider Would possibly Go away the Rangers
I wrote within the NHL Rumor Rundown report at this time that there are combined ideas in relation to Kreider and his future with the Rangers. Some scribes imagine he’ll be on the commerce block because the Rangers attempt to get again underneath the wage cap and others assume New York will purchase out a participant like Kevin Shattenkirk earlier than they ever consider buying and selling Kreider.
Chris Kreider, New York Rangers, Mar. 22, 2018 (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)
Both manner, the consensus hypothesis out of the Rangers facet of the world is that Kreider could possibly be moved. Even when it isn’t associated to the Rangers’ wage cap points at this time, it could possibly be future cap considerations because the expectation is Kreider will count on Kevin Hayes-type cash on his subsequent contract. The Rangers aren’t seeking to spend $7 million for seven seasons on Kreider extension.
Does this open the door for the Oilers to place one thing collectively?
Associated: NHL Rumors: Rangers, Predators, Wild, Extra
The Oilers May Use Somebody Like Kreider
Edmonton picked up James Neal in a deal for Milan Lucic however there’s no assure Neal will bounce again and grow to be a 20 or 30-goal scorer beside Connor McDavid. Ought to he, this may be a large win for the Oilers. Ought to he not, Edmonton remains to be fairly mild for top-six wingers.
Markus Granlund, Vancouver Canucks, Nov. 21, 2017 (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)
Kreider represents a large improve over gamers like Markus Granlund, Jujhar Khaira or Joakim Nygard. Including Kreider additionally means the Oilers can run McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins down the center, ought to they select. A constant 37-53 factors per season over the past six seasons makes Kreider a win. At $four.625 million for yet another season, he’s additionally a good worth. Not like Neal, the Oilers can, and possibly ought to count on huge issues from Kreider for the cash if paired with considered one of their top-two facilities.
Edmonton doesn’t have the sort of cap room proper now to make this commerce, however it wouldn’t take a variety of release the $2 million wanted to suit his contract in. So too, the workforce can bounce over the cap by 10% so long as they get again underneath earlier than the beginning of the season.
Associated: NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs, Rangers, Canadiens, Extra
What Would It Take to Land Kreider?
The Rangers wouldn’t possible commerce Kreider for something that had a major cap hit coming again. A Lucic-for-Neal-type deal is out. The Oilers additionally wouldn’t be keen to maneuver somebody like Jesse Puljujarvi for one 12 months of Kreider’s contract. Holland has stated he needs both a younger prospect or veteran who’s signed for a couple of season if he’s transferring the previous fourth-overall draft choose.
EDMONTON, AB – MARCH three: Ethan Bear #74 of the Edmonton Oilers traces up for a face off throughout the recreation towards the New York Rangers on March three, 2018 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Picture by Andy Devlin/NHLI through Getty Pictures)
With these issues in thoughts, any commerce must be one thing that permits the Rangers to get again underneath the cap ceiling whereas Edmonton can receive a year-long rental and at a worth that isn’t sacrificing a top-end prospect or high-valued draft choose. Perhaps the Oilers can spare somewhat depth within the type of a Tyler Benson or Ethan Bear, combined with a later-round draft choose. Would that be sufficient for the Rangers to present it some thought? The NHL has already seen a couple of big-name gamers transfer for a lot much less.
The query about Kreider turns into what way of thinking the Rangers are at present in? May the Oilers attraction the Rangers sense of urgency? Are the Rangers really that pressing? It’s an attention-grabbing query and possibly one which Holland ought to be asking as he tries so as to add earlier than the season kicks off in October.
If the Rangers need actual worth again, there most likely isn’t something there for the Oilers. If New York is in a rush to maneuver wage, who is aware of.
