Various media outlets in Colorado have reported an increased presence by New York Rangers scouts during recent Avalanche games. With just over 30 days left until the trade deadline, the Avs seem more and more like a trade partner if something can be worked out. The question will be what players will the Rangers trade and who or what will they get in return
Will the New York Rangers Trade Chris Kreider?
The speculation for a while has been the Chris Kreider is the most likely Ranger to be traded, most likely because he will be a free agent at the end of the season, and they may not want to pay what he is expected to ask for. Colorado has frequently been mentioned as a trade destination as they would covet his experience.
The Avs are one playoff-bound team that values Kreider, who could provide valuable scoring depth for a contending team on a second or third line. He also could feature on the power play, either as a primary shooter or as a big body in front of the net screening the goalie. He would also provide the Avs with a power forward skill set that makes him an ideal addition for the playoffs as that is when the game slows down and the overall physicality ramps up significantly. A role Kreider can fill nicely.
The Boston Bruins have also been interested, and Kreider, a Massachusetts native, would fit in nicely for the Bruins who are currently in first place in the Atlantic Division and have a legitimate shot at winning it all this year. Tampa Bay, St. Louis, and Pittsburgh have also shown interest, but for now, the Rangers scouting department seems focused on Colorado.
Could the Avs be interested in a New York Ranger Goalie?
One of the darkhorse possibilities for trades could be for a goaltender. The Avalanche needs an experienced backup, and Henrik Lundqvist would fit the bill. However, Lundqvist has a no-movement clause, but after being on the bench for the last bunch of games while Igor Shesterkin and Alexandar Georgiev have manned the net. It may come to a point where Lundqvist sees the writing on the wall and recognizes that the Avalanche are one of the teams that give him a chance to win a Stanley Cup. The next 30 or more days will be quite interesting for the Blueshirts as they make a playoff push and possibly become active on the trade market.