Does Chris Kreider Make Sense As A Canucks Trade Target?

The Vancouver Canucks are in a complicated situation. While they have assembled a strong forward group, the team has struggled offensively this season and could use some extra scoring help to push them back into contender status. If they are going to add on the wing, one player to keep an eye on is Chris Kreider, who would be a massive boost to the Canucks scoring depth.

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A player like Kreider isn't usually available, but because of the New York Rangers' struggles this year, they could be looking to move him. Kreider was recently a healthy scratch for the Rangers and was reportedly mentioned by name in a league-wide memo earlier this year about players New York would consider trading. With 33 points in 34 games, it looks like the Rangers are preparing for a retool, which could force players like Kreider out of The Big Apple.

While Kreider has struggled to produce offensively this season, he is still generating shots at a high rate. According to NHL EDGE, he ranks in the 85th percentile in shots with 80 and the 87th percentile in high-danger shots with 29. Shots and high-danger shots are both categories Vancouver has struggled with this season, as they rank in the bottom 50% of the league in both categories.

Despite being 33, Kreider still has some speed in his game. He has recorded six 22+ mph bursts, which rank in the 91st percentile, while his 66 20-22 mph bursts rank in the 86th percentile. While the Canucks do have some speedy players on their roster, they have been one of the slower teams this season, according to NHL EDGE, ranking in the bottom 50% of both categories.

There are also some long-term benefits to acquiring Kreider. He has two years left on his deal after this season, and while he will be 34 before the end of the season, he is still on pace for over 25 goals. While his cap hit is a little high at $6.5 million, the pending growth of the salary cap should help balance out his contract next season.

Vancouver has a few issues to deal with when trying to acquire Kreider. First, they will need to give up assets and a player on the roster to make the money work. Kreider also has a 15-team no-trade clause, so he could veto a trade if he doesn't want to play in Canada or on the West Coast. That being said, the Canucks have shown that they can pull off these big deals in the past, with the Elias Lindholm trade last season being a good example.

Trading for Kreider would be a statement for Vancouver. It would show that management believes this team can be a contender while adding a player who can help the organization for multiple years. Patrik Allvin and his management team haven't been shy about making massive trades in the past, which is why going after a high-end winger like Kreider could be on their to-do list this season.