New York Rangers GM Chris Drury has just placed another important key player on trade block

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Daniel Lucente
November 29, 2024 (4:14 PM)

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It appears the Rangers are in a trade-everyone mode right now, as their GM Chris Drury appears to have yet again placed a core player on the trade block.

According to TSN insider Chris Johnston, yesterday, New York Rangers GM Chris Drury made it known to other NHL GMs that he will consider trading veteran leaders Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba to mix up his roster.

Today, TSN's Darren Dreger added that 23-year-old forward Kaapo Kakko has joined Kreider and Trouba on the trade block.

"Kaapo Kakko's name has resurfaced in trade talks. "If they're trading out pieces like that, then the return is going to have to be exactly what the Rangers are looking for."

- Darren Dreger

A former second-overall pick, Kakko has three goals and 12 points in 21 games this season, leading the team with a +13 rating.

While he's shown flashes of potential, Kakko has yet to truly break out after five-and-a-half seasons. He's also a pending restricted free agent.

In the wake of these reports, Drury is said to have met with the team last night to talk about these rumors, hoping for an "honest, productive conversation."

"Chris Drury, the Rangers general manager is open for business, he's let that be known to other GMs around the league. Specifically, he's mentioned Jacob Trouba and Chris Kreider as veteran Rangers players that he'd be willing to move on from under the right circumstances."

"I think this coming to light in the last day or two has sent a shockwave through the Rangers dressing room. A trade of either of these players is not a straightforward transaction. Both have 15-team no-trade clauses included in their contracts so there could be a situation where the team would have to try to work with one of those players to get them to be moved on from."

"The mere fact that they're publicly known to be available amongst other Rangers players tells you a little bit about the situation in New York, which might surprise some people. If you look at the standings, the Rangers are holding down a playoff spot at this point but there's been a general displeasure with the displeasure with the performance of some of the veteran players on the Rangers this season. They've dropped three games in a row and management is now considering other options to try to shake things up."

- Chris Johnston

The Rangers announced this morning that Kreider won't play tonight against the Carolina Hurricanes due to injury. For his part, Kreider acknowledged the trade rumor mill. He's determined to focus on his game instead.

The rumors surrounding Kreider, in particular, are surprising. It's not that Kreider or Trouba lack trade value, but it's unclear what Drury's endgame is. Is he planning to inject youth into the roster or kickstart a rebuild?

Trading seasoned leaders like Kreider and Trouba often aligns with acquiring draft picks and prospects, assets the Rangers don't urgently need. Instead, they require immediate roster help to stay competitive.

Hard to envision Drury turning a deal for Kreider or Trouba into instant reinforcements, but time will tell. Stay tuned.