Rumors that veterans Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba would be available on the trade market have surprised many in recent days, particularly when the question of the New York Rangers forward was discussed.
TSN newsman Chris Johnston reported Tuesday, in Early Tradingthat Rangers general manager Chris Drury was open to trading his veterans “under the right circumstances.”
While the Rangers’ desire to move on from their captain isn’t a huge surprise, after Trouba submitted his list of 15 teams he refused to be traded to this summer, the addition of Kreider among the available players was more unexpected.
“I think seeing this information come to light in the last few days has sent shockwaves through the Rangers dressing room. A trade from either of these players will not be simple. They both have a clause that allows them to submit a list to 15 teams where they refuse to be traded so there could be a situation where a team would have to work with the player to complete a transaction,” Johnston explained.
Johnston says Drury’s openness to trading veterans is spurred by the performance of some veterans this season, although the Rangers are in position to make the playoffs as a drafted team.
“They have lost three games in a row and management is now considering other options to mix things up. »
Kreider has nine goals in 19 games this season, while Trouba has six assists in 20 games.
Kreider is under contract at an average annual salary of $6.5 million until 2027, while Trouba is $8 million under the salary cap for two more seasons, including this year.
“Even if it makes headlines in the short term, they will have to move at some point if they want to have tangible results on the ice. Maybe this is meant to get everyone’s attention in the short term, but in the long term, these will be trades that change the dynamic on this team. »
Jiricek’s time in Columbus numbered?
Still in the Metropolitan Division, Johnston reports that the Columbus Blue Jackets have had several discussions recently about a possible transaction that would involve defenseman David Jiricek.
The guard, who will celebrate his 21st birthday this week, currently plays with the Cleveland Monsters of the American League, where he has a goal and an assist in two games.
Jiricek also has an assist in six NHL games this season, after totaling one goal and nine assists in 43 games last season.
“There is interest in Jiricek as a promising right-handed defender. Right now, I think Columbus is trying to see what the best offers are and which teams are making them. Initially, I think they wanted to get a prospect of his caliber, but I believe Columbus would now like to trade for draft picks in return for Jiricek. »
