NYR Trade Deadline: Where is Kreider and Georgiev Headed?

There has been lots of speculation over what the New York Rangers will do come the trade deadline February 24th. The Rangers have many assets which could be moved by the deadline with contenders around the league needing an extra boost to make a Stanley Cup run. The players who could be traded for the New York Rangers I believe are Jesper Fast, Ryan Strome, Tony DeAngelo, Chris Kreider, and Alexandar Georgiev. Rumors have been circling that Henrik Lundqvist could be moved, but The King has a no-trade clause that he is unlikely to lift. Pavel Buchnevich has also been among those conversations, but I believe Gorton and the front office want to hang on to him. Despite his early struggles this season, he has six points in his last 10 games and has scored a goal in his last two games.

There’s no doubt the two biggest names that could very well be moved for the Rangers are Kreider and Georgiev. So, what are the possible returns the Rangers could get for those assets and where could they be headed?

Chris Kreider

No doubt the most sought after player before the deadline is winger Chris Kreider. In 49 games played for the Rangers this season, he has 18 goals, 16 assists, and a +3 rating. Most importantly, his production as of late has been tremendous. He has tallied a point in 16 out of the last 21 games for the Rangers. His net presence is what makes Kreider so valuable. His ability to tip-in shots is incredible and something every contender needs. With this being his final year on his Rangers contract, look for him to be moved soon. But where? Many contenders are interested, but a few are likely to try and make a move.

Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche remain heavily interested in Kreider and are willing to give up a lot to add him for the postseason. The asking price is large for Kreider as it should be: 1st round pick and a talented prospect or player is what Gorton will be asking for. If the Avalanche could add a winger like Kreider for the playoffs, they could very well be the favorites in the West if they aren’t already. The Avalanche have one of the most lethal top lines in the league with Landeskog-MacKinnon-Rantanen, but if they could add Kreider on the 2nd line with Kadri and Burakovsky, they could be almost unstoppable. Below is a trade the Rangers could make with the Avalanche that could be beneficial for both teams (“/” indicates OR):

Matt Nieto/Tyson Jost/JT Compher/Alex Newhook + 1st round pick FOR Chris Kreider

Boston Bruins

Among those heavily interested in Kreider are the Boston Bruins. They have recently been in the discussion the last few weeks, and Boston is willing to give up something similar for Kreider like Colorado. A name that has circled around a Kreider trade to Boston has been Jake DeBrusk. DeBrusk is 24 years old and has been productive ever since he has been in Boston. In 47 games played so far, he has 16 goals, 14 assists, and a +3 rating. These stats are almost identical to Kreider’s. So whats the catch? The one trait DeBrusk lacks is the in-front net presence that Kreider is so good at. If the Bruins could land Kreider, they have a real shot at the Stanley Cup. Personally, this is a trade I would love for the Rangers to make. Below is a trade I think could really happen for Kreider.

Jake DeBrusk + 1st round pick FOR Chris Kreider

Pittsburgh Penguins

The last team I believe has a shot at landing Kreider is a foe in the Metro division the Penguins. I am hesitant for the Penguins however because I’m not sure Gorton would love the idea shipping him off to another team in the Metro. But with the right asking price, he could be dealt to Pittsburgh. The Penguins have been plagued with injuries this year. Out with injuries currently is Bjugstad and Guentzel. Those are very productive pieces Pittsburgh would love to have back. Which is one of the reasons why they are shopping for a guy like Kreider. This trade would be intriguing because I am not sure who Pittsburgh is willing to give up plus a first-round pick. Pittsburgh’s prospect pool is one of the worst in the league, and Poulin would be the only guy I think the Rangers would be willing to accept for Kreider. This trade is really a shot in the dark, but a few options are open for this trade to happen:

Brandon Tanev/Alex Galchenyuk/Samuel Poulin + 1st round pick FOR Chris Kreider

Alexandar Georgiev

The 23-year old is one of the best young goaltenders in the league. The Rangers are currently rocking a three goalie system in New York: Henrik Lundqvist, Igor Shesterkin and Alexandar Georgiev. Igor seems to be the future for the Rangers, as he was called up for his first start before the All-Star break (3–1–0, .927 save %). Furthermore, Georgiev’s stock may never be higher than it is right now. Like Kreider, the asking price is about the same. It was originally thought that a first-round pick would be enough, but Gorton wants more which is acceptable given Georgiev’s potential and age. Who will go all-in for Georgie?

San Jose Sharks

Goaltending has been a real issue for the Sharks this season. Backup goalie Aaron Dell will be a UFA this summer and Martin Jones has clearly fallen off. The only problem with Jones is he is under contract until the summer of 2024, which is a huge cap hit and he will be hard to trade given the contract and his play. Another problem with the Sharks is they don’t have a first round pick this upcoming draft. Are the Rangers willing to accept a second and a third rounder or a future first? With all that being said, the Sharks could really use a young, talented goalie like Georgiev. Below is a trade that could be possible:

Kevin Labanc + 2021 1st round pick FOR Alexandar Georgiev

Toronto Maple Leafs

This potential landing spot for Georgiev has cooled down as of late, but I believe it’s a still possibility even though the cap room situation might be tight. It’s also been rumored that the Leafs are now in the market for a defensemen, and not a goalie necessarily. It’s been rumored for a few months now that the Leafs are shopping Kasperi Kapanen and he could be a real asset for the Rangers. I do think the Rangers may take Kapanen and a second-rounder in this situation, because Kapanen is a young stud and could really help the Rangers ASAP. This trade may help the Rangers out more than the Leafs, but the goalie situation for the Leafs this year has been nothing to brag about.

Kasperi Kapanen + 1st/2nd round pick FOR Alexandar Georgiev

New Jersey Devils

The Devils are a very young team and need some help between the pipes quickly if they want a playoff run in the next few years or so. Who better to bring in than rival Alexandar Georgiev? Mackenzie Blackwood hasn’t been all that bad for the Devils this year, but he could be better. Part of the blame though has to go to the Devils defense, as they have been horrendous this year. With all that being said, the Devils NEED a strong goalie for the upcoming years, and the Devils could very well wind up with Georgie.

Pavel Zacha/Michael McLeod + 1st round pick FOR Alexandar Georgiev