New York Rangers: J.D. must get creative with Dolan’s money
By Ed Stein
It’s a business
None of the previous moves mentioned will be unpopular. Trading winger Chris Kreider, however, is going to stir the pot and light a few torches. The rumblings will be loud. “First it was Ryan McDonagh and JT Miller in 2018. At the 2019 deadline, Kevin Hayes and Zuccarello were traded away. Now Kreider.”
Yes, Kreider. He makes $4.625M now in the final year of his contract. Is he worth five-plus years at an average cap hit of between $6-6.5M? Maybe, but then again he’s a second line player at best. The Rangers could sign Anders Lee as a free agent for additional million per year, on the upper end. Pair Lee up with likely captain Mikka Zabanejad, likely, future superstar Kaapo Kakko and that’s a strong first line. Go another $3M more and instead of Lee, the Rangers could have Artemi Panarin.
Looking at it that way, trading Kreider may be unpopular now, but in the long run, greatly helps the team. Not to mention, Kreider is worth a second pick in return at the least. Also, on the trade block are forwards Jimmy Vesey, Vlad Namestnikov, Ryan Strome, and Matt Beleskey, all of whom have one year left on their respective contacts.
This brings it back to the RFAs from earlier. Despite his growing pains, DeAngelo looks like a keeper. If Lemieux and Claeson want to come back on team friendly deals, no problem. Pavel Buchnevich is going to be a totally different issue and somewhat controversial.
The enigmatic Russian winger is arbitration eligible coming off an entry-level contract. Reviewing his numbers, Buch has never scored more than 21 goals or 43 points in a full season. He’s been given every opportunity to succeed but can’t seem to break through. Some of those difficulties look back at him when he’s at the mirror.
If coach David Quinn can get through to him, he’s an asset going forward. If not, Buchnevich shouldn’t be part of the long term plan and the Rangers would be wise to move him at the upcoming draft. Those who are blinded by his tantalizing potential are going to be angry. You gotta break a few eggs to make an omelet.