McKenzie: New York Rangers Very Active Ahead of 2019 NHL Draft, Chris Kreider and Jimmy Vesey Likely to Be Traded
The 2019 NHL Draft is set to get underway at 8:00 p.m., and it could be a very busy evening outside of the selections made; especially for the New York Rangers.
Bob McKenzie of TSN did an interview on Sirius XM NHL Radio, and he reported that there are a lot of names in play, and he specifically named the New York Rangers as a team that are, “very active.” McKenzie said that Chris Kreider and Jimmy Vesey as players likely to be traded.
Vesey has been linked to the Buffalo Sabres in recent days, so his name being listed as likely to be traded isn’t a shock. He has one year left on his contract at $2.275 million, and the Rangers are in a position where they may end up having too many wingers.
Dreger I have not heard much on a possible Ristolainen trade. I would still lock the #Sabres in on rumors surrounding Jimmy Vesey. There has also been some speculation that Alex Nylander could be on the move, and it doesn't have to be as part of a possible Vesey trade.
— WGR 550 (@WGR550) June 21, 2019
Kreider is another name that isn’t surprising, as he’s got one-year left on his contract at $4.625 million. General manager Jeff Gorton has in been contact with Kreider’s agent, and it is quite possible that the two sides are unlikely to reach a deal on an extension.
Jeff Gorton said he has spoken to the agents for Jacob Trouba and Chris Kreider. He also said he didn’t qualify RFAs Freddie Claesson, Chris Bigras and Brandon Halverson.
— Colin Stephenson (@ColinASteph) June 21, 2019
There’s also the potential that the Rangers are using the media to try and bring his potential number down.There is no guarantee of this, but I’m making an educated guess on things that could be happening.
Kreider has a modified no-trade clause, and he can submit a list of 11 teams in which he will veto a trade per Cap Friendly.
At this time of year things can change at a rapid pace, so while this is where things currently stand, there’s always the chance things chance once the draft gets underway. Blueshirt Banter will be following all the moves of the draft, and we will be updating the site with new stories and information as it becomes available.
