Fansided

5 NHL teams that should trade for Chris Kreider

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
3 of 5
Next
Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images /

Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins are in the same kind of boat as the Blues as they enter the trade deadline looking to get back to the Stanley Cup Final again in hopes of finishing the job this time around. After falling one game short last season, the Bruins should be hungry to avenge that loss by loading up with another strong trade deadline.

The Bruins currently lead the Atlantic Division as they have for basically the entire season, but are also in the race for the Presidents’ Trophy with 70 points, which is only three behind Washington. With a seven point lead on Tampa Bay for the division, the Bruins control their own destiny when it comes to home ice throughout at least the first two rounds of the playoffs.

The Bruins adding Kreider at the deadline is a chilling thought for teams in the East, as they’re already one of the highest scoring teams in the league. Their top line of Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak is widely considered the best line hockey, but there is a drop off in talent once you get past that first line. The Bruins have been able to shelter this lack of depth by being elite basically everywhere else, but it should still be addressed, which adding Kreider does.

Kreider fits the bill for exactly what the Bruins are looking for. His skill, speed, and strength will be a welcome addition on the Bruins second line where he would likely slot in. The Bruins power play is already one of the best in the NHL, and adding Kreider to the second unit gives them a dangerous two-pronged attack. Not to mention that Kreider was born in Massachusetts and played three seasons at Boston College, so there’s the hometown fit as well.

A trade for Kreider for the Bruins would have to require some subsequent moves in order to fit under the salary cap, as they only have $566,824 in cap space to work with. They also own all of their draft picks through the first three rounds, but do lack some of the intriguing prospects that teams bidding against them can offer.

The time to win for the Bruins has to be now. Bergeron will be 35, this could be Zdeno Chara‘s last season, Torey Krug‘s contract is expiring, and their prospect pool is weak. But those are next seasons concerns, and the future is now with their Stanley Cup window. Getting Kreider gives them the best shot possible at getting the job done this time around, and they should take advantage.

Home/New York Rangers