Evaluating the New York Rangers’ Next Steps If Chris Kreider Stays Put This Offseason
There’s a growing belief that the New York Rangers may part ways with veteran forward Chris Kreider this summer. At 34, and with his name included in the internal trade memo circulated by GM Chris Drury last November, it seems more than likely. Yet, a scenario still exists where the team’s longest-tenured player remains a Blueshirt next season.
On paper, moving Kreider seems to be the more pragmatic approach, especially considering his sizable contract and the organization’s shifting priorities. But if Drury opts not to deal him, what comes next?
If Kreider stays, the Rangers retain his $6.5 million annual cap hit through 2026-27. With about $8.42 million in available cap space, much of it will be allocated toward extending restricted free agents like K’Andre Miller, Will Cuylle, Matt Rempe, and Adam Edstrom.
Zac Jones and Arthur Kaliyev are RFAs as well, but it’s unclear how the Rangers can retain them without pushing past their financial limits.
Yes, the NHL cap is jumping to $95.5 million next season — a healthy $7.5 million increase — but the bump is mostly spoken for. Key extensions for Igor Shesterkin, Alexis Lafreniere, Will Borgen, Urho Vaakanainen, and Juuso Parssinen begin in 2025-26, quickly swallowing that new space.
So, what’s the plan if Kreider sticks around?
1. Stay the Course (a.k.a. “Run it Back”)
One option is continuity. Drury might believe the tweaks made last season — including the additions of J.T. Miller and Will Borgen — were enough to refresh the group. But can they truly rebound with the same core that fell short of the playoffs by six points?
A return to form isn’t out of the question. This is, after all, a core that claimed the Presidents’ Trophy not long ago. With new head coach Mike Sullivan steering the ship, there’s optimism that the group could return to the postseason and shift focus to a potentially massive 2026 free agency class (Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, Kirill Kaprizov, Kyle Connor, and Artemi Panarin are all projected UFAs).
In this setup, Kreider likely drops to the third line but maintains roles on special teams. If the top line remains Panarin–Trocheck–Lafreniere and Zibanejad slides to the wing with Miller and Cuylle, the third line could feature Kreider with Parssinen or Brodzinski and a young winger like Gabe Perreault, Brennan Othmann, or Brett Berard.
If Zibanejad moves back to center, he and Kreider could reunite, opening a top-six role for a younger prospect. Of course, this scenario carries a sense of déjà vu — a repeat of what didn’t work last year.
2. Shake Things Up: Trade a Core Piece
Unlikely, but worth exploring:
- Mika Zibanejad or Artemi Panarin: Both have full no-move clauses, making a trade extremely difficult. However, moving Panarin would open $11.64 million in cap space, while Zibanejad’s $8.5 million salary runs through 2030. A move like this would signal a dramatic shift in direction — but replacing their production would be a tall order.
- Alexis Lafreniere: While trading the 2020 No. 1 pick is hard to imagine, it could free up $7.45 million in cap room. After a tough 2024-25 season, Lafreniere’s value remains high enough to yield a notable return. Still, this would feel reactionary and premature.
3. Trade K’Andre Miller
The 25-year-old defenseman is due for a big raise and holds arbitration rights. While he’s a potential long-term partner for Adam Fox, Miller’s play has been uneven, and he can walk in 2027 as a UFA.
If the Rangers don’t see him as part of the core, trading him could provide a return and cap relief — though that money would likely go right back into replacing him.
4. Trade Carson Soucy
After an underwhelming stint post-trade deadline, the Rangers must decide if Soucy is part of the future. Moving him and his $3.25 million salary (he has a 12-team no-trade list) could free up additional funds. If dealt, it might open the door for Zac Jones to return in a more regular role.
Final Thoughts
Chris Kreider’s future with the Rangers remains uncertain. Trading him would make financial and competitive sense, but if he stays, the Rangers will need to get creative. Whether they double down on their core or explore bolder moves remains to be seen.
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