Latest news with #ChrisDrury
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Chris Kreider's Trade Value May Surprise Everyone This Offseason
Chris Kreider's Trade Value May Surprise Everyone This Offseason If the New York Rangers trade Chris Kreider this summer, can they do so without retaining any of his salary? With Kreider still under contract for another two years at a cap of $6.5 million, there's a growing belief that it will be difficult for the Blueshirts to dump off Kreider's entire salary. Advertisement However, one NHL insider believes that there could be a bigger market for the veteran forward than many people may actually think. Chris Kreider's 15-Team No-Trade List Could Complicate Things For Rangers According To NHL Insider Chris Kreider's 15-Team No-Trade List Could Complicate Things For Rangers According To NHL Insider One of the biggest unknowns going into the offseason for the New York Rangers is what the future holds for Chris Kreider. 'This was a really tough year for him and he still ended up with 22 goals,' NHL insider Frank Seravalli said of Kreider. 'I look at that contract and say '$6.5 million?' If I'm a team starving for goals, I'm all over that because I'm thinking he's going to have a bounce-back year.' Advertisement The 34-year-old forward is just one season removed from recording 39 goals, 36 assists, and 75 points before having a down year, so it's not far-fetched to say he'll bounce back. Also, Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury has a track record of being able to dump off salary scott-free, specifically with Jacob Trouba and Barclay Goodrow. Expect the unexpected this summer regarding Kreider and the Rangers.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jarace Walker with the flush
Who's Going To Be The Rangers Spiritual Leader In The New Season One way Chris Drury could solve his Rangers problems is to invite retired MSG Networks Analyst Joe Micheletti for a no-holds-barred one-on-one candid chat.
New York Times
29-05-2025
- Business
- New York Times
NHL offseason trade board: An early look at the summer's top targets, from Kreider to Rossi to Ehlers
The NHL offseason is about to kick into high gear. With June on the horizon, many teams have already gone through pro scouting meetings or are in the midst of conducting them. Next week, they'll all travel to Buffalo for the NHL Scouting Combine — an important event where general managers and agents start laying the groundwork for the player movement to come this summer. Advertisement At a time when the salary cap ceiling is taking a significant jump to $95.5 million, the conditions are ripe for upheaval. Flexibility is returning to the league's financial system, and teams have more needs collectively than the free-agent list offers solutions. So there's every reason to expect a fertile trade market. With that in mind, here's an early look at the names in play entering the summer. Team: New York Rangers Position: Left Wing Shoots: Left 2024-25 stats: 22 goals, 30 points, 68 games Age: 34 Contract: $6.5 million AAV through 2027; 15-team no-trade list A fresh start seems in order here. The Rangers started shuttling veterans this season, including former captain Jacob Trouba, and general manager Chris Drury mentioned Kreider's availability in a memo circulated to his peers in November. While Kreider is coming off his lowest goal-scoring season in eight years, with 0.32 goals per game, his cap hit is moderate on a contract that runs through 2026-27. Kreider remains a strong skater who sits in the 90th percentile in speed bursts over 22 miles per hour, according to NHL Edge data. He maintains some say in the process courtesy of a 15-team no-trade clause. Team: Minnesota Wild Position: Center Shoots: Left 2024-25 stats: 24 goals, 60 points, 82 games Age: 23 Contract: RFA coming off three-year, $2.59 million deal Enormously skilled but on the lighter side at 5-foot-9 and 182 pounds, there is still some debate about what Rossi can be as an NHL player. It's pretty clear where the Wild are leaning after they gave him just 11 minutes of ice time per game in the playoffs following a 60-point regular season. Now it's decision time with Rossi hitting restricted free agency and seeking a long-term contract. Minnesota has shopped Rossi before and appears unlikely to give him the kind of money a second-line center typically commands, so he's available to be had. Advertisement Team: Buffalo Sabres Position: Defense Shoots: Left 2024-25 stats: 7 goals, 38 points, 82 games Age: 23 Contract: RFA coming off two-year, $7.7 million deal The Sabres have a glut of defensemen on the left side, and the 23-year-old needs a new contract coming off his healthiest and most productive NHL season. That's why Buffalo has been gauging the trade market on the RFA. Byram is an elite skater who can log big minutes and still has his best years ahead of him, making him an intriguing option for teams looking for a blue-line upgrade. Team: Calgary Flames Position: Defense Shoots: Right 2024-25 stats: 11 goals, 31 points, 81 games Age: 28 Contract: $4.55 million AAV through 2026; six-team no-trade list One year out from unrestricted free agency, the right-shot defenseman is expected to draw a crowd if he doesn't sign an extension with the Flames when he's eligible this summer. Andersson is an all-around defender who excels at winning puck battles and can jump into the attack. He brings highly valued off-ice intangibles, too, and recently wore the 'C' for Sweden on home ice at the World Championship. While there are some minor concerns — such as his foot speed and an ugly minus-38 rating this season — Andersson is a major asset for Calgary to peddle. Team: Anaheim Ducks Position: Goalie 2024-25 stats: 11-11-2, .911 save percentage, 2.77 GAA Age: 31 Contract: $6.4 million AAV through 2027; 10-team no-trade list The pickings are slim in the free-agent goaltending market and Gibson is coming off a bounce-back performance. While he may have relinquished the Ducks' No. 1 job to Lukáš Dostál, the veteran finished with a .911 save percentage and an impressive 15.3 goals saved above expected, according to MoneyPuck. Multiple teams have kicked tires on Gibson in recent years, with no trade materializing, but his contract looks more movable than ever with just two seasons remaining and the cap on the rise. Advertisement Team: New York Rangers Position: Defense Shoots: Left 2024-25 stats: 7 goals, 27 points, 74 games Age: 25 Contract: RFA coming off two-year, $3.872 million deal A confluence of factors has made Miller's future a little bit murky in New York. For starters, he's due a qualifying offer north of $4.6 million this summer and is eligible to hit unrestricted free agency as soon as 2026. Basically, this is a time when the Rangers would typically be looking to make a big investment in a 23-year-old player. However, the team has to be mindful of the salary cap, and Miller's game showed some real cracks this season with defensive lapses and a dip in production contributing to the struggles the Rangers' blue line endured. Still, he would be a prime trade asset due to his age, skating ability and elite physical tools. Team: Buffalo Sabres Position: Left Wing Shoots: Left 2024-25 stats: 27 goals, 68 points, 77 games Age: 23 Contract: RFA coming off three-year, $2.775 million deal Another restricted free agent due for a hefty pay raise, there'd be strong trade value for the Sabres to mine if they moved off a winger who's twice crested 25 goals and finished the season tied for second on the team with 68 points. While Buffalo GM Kevyn Adams told reporters in March that Peterka is one of the team's 'core young guys,' it's not clear that he's willing to make that kind of commitment to the organization. Peterka is a candidate for an offer sheet if he's not traded before July 1. The Canadiens currently own a pair of picks smack dab in the middle of the first round, and it won't be surprising if they don't end up using both of the Nos. 16 and 17 selections on June 27 in Los Angeles. Montreal has an array of prospects already in the pipeline and is open to moving a pick if it can be used to acquire a more immediate need for the current roster. Another center would be ideal. Team: Nashville Predators Position: Right Wing Shoots: Right 2024-25 stats: 21 goals, 56 points, 78 games Age: 34 Contract: $5.5 million AAV through 2029 What a difference a year makes. The Predators swung a mighty bat last July 1, landing Marchessault plus Steven Stamkos and Brady Skjei off the open market, and they already find themselves facing another roster renovation. The 2023 Conn Smythe Trophy winner can still put the puck in the net and boasts a resume that includes 102 career playoff games. What's more, his cap hit should become even more palatable as it ages. Advertisement Team: Pittsburgh Penguins Position: Defense Shoots: Right 2024-25 stats: 11 goals, 53 points, 82 games Age: 34 Contract: $10 million cap hit through 2027 The fit has never seemed quite right in Pittsburgh for the three-time Norris Trophy winner, who last appeared in the Stanley Cup playoffs six years ago. Karlsson will be 35 when next season begins, and it makes sense for him and the retooling Penguins to work together on finding him a new home. Karlsson's $10 million cap hit offers a significant barrier, even if Pittsburgh steps up with some retention. Perhaps there is some hope to be found in his strong performance for Sweden at the 4 Nations Face-Off over the winter for any team thinking about taking the plunge. Team: New York Islanders Position: Center Shoots: Right 2024-25 stats: 14 goals, 42 points, 79 games Age: 32 Contract: $5 million AAV through 2026; 16-team no-trade list Set to enter the final season of his contract, the veteran center is a candidate to find a new home with recently hired Islanders GM Mathieu Darche set to start turning over the team's underperforming roster. Pageau is elite in the faceoff circle and a strong penalty killer who is due just $3.5 million in actual salary next season. He does own a 16-team no-trade clause. Team: Toronto Maple Leafs Position: Left Wing Shoots: Left 2024-25 stats: 15 goals, 22 points, 69 games Age: 23 Contract: RFA coming off one-year, $875,000 deal It's 11 months on from his trade request and the 23-year-old forward is still looking for a change of scenery. Robertson once again found himself watching the Leafs' most important games from the press box, dressing for just three of 13 playoff games, and is a restricted free agent holding arbitration rights this summer. Robertson has a wicked release and high work rate, scoring 29 goals across the past two seasons despite seeing limited power-play time. Team: Chicago Blackhawks Position: Defense Shoots: Right 2024-25 stats: 2 goals, 19 points, 68 games Age: 32 Contract: $4.4 million AAV through 2026; 10-team no-trade list Advertisement Big, strong and experienced, Murphy posted good defensive results under less-than-favorable conditions with the Blackhawks this season. The right shot comes with an expiring contract that should be fairly easy to move, particularly in light of how well he compares to this summer's free-agent class. This is a time of transition in Chicago so roster flexibility is paramount. Team: St. Louis Blues Position: Left wing Shoots: Left 2024-25 stats: 18 goals, 50 points, 82 games Age: 33 Contract: $6.5 million AAV through 2028; full no-trade list becomes 15-team no-trade list on July 1 There was plenty of discussion around Schenn leading up to the trade deadline, but the Blues captain told the team his preference was to stay at that time. Could that change? Schenn's full no-trade clause is set to convert to a 15-team no-trade list this summer, which shifts more leverage to the front office if it chooses to reengage the market on the veteran center. The Blues set a high price on Schenn in talks last season. He remains a productive point producer who brings value at both ends of the ice. Team: Pittsburgh Penguins Position: Right Wing Shoots: Right 2024-25 stats: 31 goals, 65 points, 71 games Age: 33 Contract: $5.125 million AAV through 2028; no-movement clause expires June 30 The Penguins won't be looking to move a highly dependable, low-maintenance winger with ties to their back-to-back Stanley Cup years. However, with Rust's no-movement clause set to expire on June 30, it's possible — if not likely — that the 33-year-old will be one of their most sought-after assets. Rust is coming off a 31-goal, 65-point season and remains an above-average skater who plays an effective two-way game. An added bonus comes from the fact that the actual money owing over the final three years of his contract is below his already-affordable cap number. Team: Columbus Blue Jackets Position: Goalie 2024-25 stats: 26-21-5, .892 save percentage, 3.18 GAA Age: 31 Contract: $5.4 million through 2027; 10-team no-trade list Merzlikins has seemingly been on thin ice in Columbus for a couple of years now, with open discussions about a trade dating back at least 16 months. He's consistently struggled to perform up to the level of his contract, which is why colleague Aaron Portzline identified a goaltending overhaul as an organizational priority in Columbus this summer. Amid a muddled goaltending market, Merzlikins is available. He'll also likely be a buyout candidate if a trade doesn't emerge. Advertisement Team: Boston Bruins Position: Right Wing Shoots: Right 2024-25 stats: 33 goals, 57 points, 77 games Age: 26 Contract: RFA coming off two-year, $4 million deal Geekie finds himself in a prime negotiating position, coming off a 33-goal season and sitting one year away from unrestricted free agency. Cha-ching. While there's every expectation that he and the Bruins will engage in negotiations on a contract extension, a move remains a possibility if they aren't able to find common ground. Geekie turns 27 this summer and Boston already started accumulating future assets with an aggressive sale ahead of the trade deadline. Team: Toronto Maple Leafs Position: Right Wing Shoots: Right 2024-25 stats: 1 goal, 7 points, 19 games Age: 33 Contract: $2.1 million AAV through 2026 A reliable player who can be trusted across 200 feet, Järnkrok is coming off a season where he struggled to find any kind of rhythm after not being healthy enough to play before March. Still, he's a low-risk bet with a strong track record of consistent play and favorable contract status. Once his $1.325 million bonus is paid on July 1, Järnkrok will be owed just $775,000 in salary next season — making him the equivalent of a league-minimum player. Team: Montreal Canadiens Position: Defense Shoots: Right 2024-25 stats: 2 goals, 4 points, 7 games Age: 22 Contract: $875,000 AAV through 2026 (RFA) The Canadiens' cupboards are overflowing with promising young defensemen, which makes the path to the NHL roster a little crowded. Call it a good problem to have. Mailloux played a big role for the AHL's Laval Rocket this season and got a brief taste of NHL experience with the Habs, scoring twice in seven games. While he's certainly not a player Montreal has to move, the belief is he could be had in the right deal. Team: Winnipeg Jets Position: Left Wing Shoots: Left 2024-25 stats: 24 goals, 63 points, 69 games Age: 29 Contract: UFA coming off seven-year, $42 million deal Advertisement With Ehlers set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, there may be some desire from a suitor to get a jump on the market if he signals an intention to part ways with the Winnipeg Jets before the end of June. There aren't many pure goal-scorers among this crop of free agents. And even though Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff indicated that he'd like to make Ehlers a 'Jet for life,' the early indications are that he's going to have a difficult time doing so. Note: Contract terms via PuckPedia. (Top photos of Marco Rossi and Chris Kreider: Sean M. Haffey and Rich Lam / Getty Images)
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Reilly Smith Feels he Found His Footing After Rangers Departure
Reilly Smith's tenure with the New York Rangers was not one to remember. The Rangers acquired Smith during the 2024 offseason in hopes that he could solidify the team's top-six forward core. However, Smith struggled to find his bearings in New York and he certainly didn't provide that offensive jolt that Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury was seeking. Rangers And Golden Knights Were In Trade Talks For A 'Period Of Time' Reilly Smith is right back at home In Vegas after a short stint with the New York Rangers. With the Rangers' season quickly going off the rails and playoffs seeming increasingly unlikely by the NHL Trade Deadline in March, Drury traded Smith to his former team, the Vegas Golden Knights. With the Golden Knights, the 34-year-old forward began to look more comfortable and find his game. After Vegas got bounced in the second round by the Edmonton Oilers, Smith emphasized how much he enjoyed the stretch back playing for the team he won a Stanley Cup with in 2023. 'I don't think the last two years have been kind of the trajectory I wanted my game to go, but coming back here I felt like I was able to get my footing pretty quickly and feel good about my game again,' Smith said. 'It was a lot of fun, coming back here and playing on a team that had a lot of purpose, a lot of familiar faces, a structure that probably brings the best game out of me. It made for a fun few months,' Smith explained. 'A great experience for me.' Smith is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
What The Rangers Management And Fans Can Learn From The Panthers-Maple Leafs Series
John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images No question, the Panthers-Maple Leafs series was hockey melodrama at its best. And for those who REALLY care – especially the Blueshirts brass and the good citizens of Rangerville – there's a lot to learn from that tourney. Here are The Maven's 15 thoughts: Advertisement 1. First and foremost DON'T SIGN JOHN TAVARES. (I put that in capital letters because I REALLY MEAN IT.) A Special Playoff Tonic For Rangers Fans A Special Playoff Tonic For Rangers Fans The Maven knows how tough it is in Rangerville. 2. Tavares – the guy who skipped town leaving the Islanders high and dry – will become a free agent and some GM will be duped into signing him. 3. Warning to Chris Drury: DON'T! The Leafs threw the bank at Tavares and foolishly made him the captain. They figured that he was the missing piece who would bring Toronto its first Cup since 1967. 4. As I learned first hand on Long Island, Tavares is as much a leader as Mortimore Snerd and the only cup he'll bring to The Garden has something written on its side: DUNKIN' DONUTS! Advertisement 5. Leafs' boss Brendan Shanahan – also to become a free agent – constructed a "sure thing" core. Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander and Tavares. They were supposed to guarantee a championship for Toronto. 6. Chris Drury also built a core; a Big Apple core led by Breadman Panarin and Mika Zibanajad. Another Toronto-New York similarity. 7. The Leafs overpaid Chump Quartet annually delivered a CHAMPIONSHIP while chirping "All Or Nothing At All." 8. Last year Florida got the ALL – and could do it again – and the Leafs got nothing at all. The non-playoff Rangers were even worse. Advertisement 9. Toronto has the richest team of the 32 NHL squads; the Rangers are the second richest. Seems like there's a failure Syndrome there folks, doesn't it. 10. Drury is eyeing soon-to-be-free agent Marner who'd love to cut his Maple Leaf chains and emigrate to Seventh Avenue between West 33th and West 31st Streets. But Double M will want more simoleans than Igor Shesterkin is making. Should Drury pay huge for Marner? 11. The answer is YES if you don't care whether the Rangers make the playoffs or not. The answer is NO if you want something better than the Blueshirts' Fat Cats gave you this year. 12. Florida knocked off Toronto because Cats GM Bill Zito strengthened his roster with the likes of Brad Marchand up front and Seth Jones on D. Advertisement 13. When a playoff berth was still possible, Chris Drury strengthened the Rangers with what? What, I ask you – WHAT? 14. Shanahan fired coach Sheldon Keefe last summer and imported Craig Berube who couldn't even awaken his team for last night's biggest game of Toronto's season. 15. Drury fired retread coach Peter Laviolette and replaced him with retread coach Mike Shanahan. Lavvy and Shanny have one thing in common, they are not Paul Maurice who happens to be coach of the still-champion Florida Panthers.
