Fansided

5 dark horse candidates to get traded at the NHL Trade Deadline

By Griffin Youngs

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 29: Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers argues a second period call during the game against the Philadelphia Flyers at Madison Square Garden on January 29, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 29: Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers argues a second period call during the game against the Philadelphia Flyers at Madison Square Garden on January 29, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 5
Next

The NHL Trade Deadline is approaching fast, and it looks to be one of the most stacked deadlines in years. Who are the dark horse candidates to get moved before Feb. 25?

The NHL Trade Deadline is always one of the most exciting times of year for a hockey fan, and the Feb.25 deadline approaching fast, trade proceeding are already well under way as teams decide to either tear it all down or go all in for a run at the Stanley Cup.

This seasons trade deadline is shaping up to be one of the best of this decade, with several star players like Artemi Panarin, Sergei Bobrovsky, Matt Duchene, and Wayne Simmonds all constantly floating around in trade rumors that has the hockey world holding their breath in anticipation for the first major dominoes to fall.

But with all those obvious blockbuster names out there on the trade market, plenty of relatively big name players have flown under the radar and could be on the move before the Feb.25 trade deadline. Every year there’s players that get moved that came out of nowhere, but made since in hindsight like Tomas Tatar or Ryan McDonagh from last years deadline. Who could this years surprise candidates be?

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 29: Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers argues a second period call during the game against the Philadelphia Flyers at Madison Square Garden on January 29, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 29: Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers argues a second period call during the game against the Philadelphia Flyers at Madison Square Garden on January 29, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Chris Kreider

The Rangers are in the midst of a rebuild, that’s no secret, but just how far are they willing to take said rebuild?` Do they want a completely fresh start, or do they want to compete for a playoff spot again within a couple seasons? The answer to that will be discovered in what the Rangers do with Chris Kreider at the trade deadline.

Chris Kreider has been a valued forward and one of the better players for the Rangers ever since he started with the organization for the 2012 playoff run. He is currently in the midst of his prime years at 28 years old, and is truly doing everything he can for the Rangers as they go through the difficult rebuilding process. He’s put up a solid 42 points in 55 games, putting him on pace for career highs across the board.

Outside of stats, his speed is tremendous for a power forward, and two way game is considered to be one of the best. The playoff experience Kreider brings is another underrated aspect of his game that would translate very well to any team he could be moved to, especially a younger team like Calgary that would get him for this years playoff run and the entire next season. Another option could be the Bruins or Lightning, who’ve made blockbuster deals with the Rangers in the past.

The Rangers would need to be convinced to trade Chris Kreider before the deadline this season, inherently raising the overall asking price. Kreider is also on a pretty team friendly contract with an extremely reasonable $4.265 million for the next two seasons, which also raises the overall asking price.

The Rangers shouldn’t go actively shopping Kreider, but they need to at least listen to the offers if they get them. A deal would likely have to include a first round pick, a later round pick, and a mid-tier prospect. If they get that offer, the Rangers would have to decide if they are committing to the rebuild, or if they want to be able to compete sooner down the line.

Home/NHL