Just as we think the Rangers won’t do anything until the Stanley Cup is awarded, we are hit with a doozy. The Rangers and Ducks are in advanced talks for a Chris Kreider trade. Frank Seravalli noted both teams are in advanced talks, but there is no deal in place just yet, while Vince Mercogliano noted the return is a prospect and a pick, which would certainly help some of the Rangers cap concerns.
It’s assumed, as of the writing of this post, that there would be no salary retention. Kreider’s $6.5 million cap hit would be fully off the books, giving Chris Drury the wiggle room to hopefully sign Will Cuylle long term. Though if there is any truth to the Rangers and Jason Robertson, perhaps this cap space is to clear room for a future extension.
For what it’s worth, Olen Zellweger has been available from Anaheim. He’d be a solid high ceiling bet and would be an excellent return for Kreider. Though it is surprising to see Anaheim as a destination omitted from his no-trade list.
