Rangers Eye Roster Overhaul After Missing Playoffs
After missing the postseason, the New York Rangers are expected to make notable changes to their roster. One potential move gaining attention is a fan-created trade scenario using PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, which has the Rangers sending veteran forward Chris Kreider to the Utah Hockey Club in exchange for Barrett Hayton.
Proposed Trade:
To New York: Barrett Hayton
To Utah: Chris Kreider
This hypothetical one-for-one swap offers benefits for both sides. The Rangers would get younger with the 24-year-old Hayton, while Utah adds an experienced scorer to help boost its offense.
Hayton, a former first-round draft pick, is in the final year of a two-year, $5.3 million contract. He produced 20 goals and 26 assists over 82 games last season and would likely slot into New York’s middle six. His addition would inject some youth and energy into the Rangers’ forward group.
Kreider, meanwhile, has two seasons remaining on a seven-year, $45.5 million contract. Though still a key piece of the Rangers’ core, the veteran winger had a quiet year, tallying 22 goals and only 8 assists in 68 games. With trade rumors swirling, it’s plausible he could be moved this offseason. If traded to Utah, he’d likely be a featured player on their top line and power-play unit—an appealing scenario that could persuade him to waive his 15-team no-trade clause.
Kreider Expresses Loyalty to Rangers
Despite the speculation, Kreider made it clear during locker cleanout day that he prefers to stay in New York.
“This is home,” he said. “The Rangers gave me the chance to fulfill my dream, and I want to continue being part of this group in whatever way I can.”
A two-time NHL All-Star, Kreider has spent his entire career with the Rangers after being drafted 19th overall in 2009.
Rangers Name Mike Sullivan as New Head Coach
Following the dismissal of Peter Laviolette, the Rangers announced on May 2 that they’ve hired Mike Sullivan as the franchise’s 38th head coach. Sullivan, who previously led the Pittsburgh Penguins to two Stanley Cup titles, brings a wealth of experience and a winning pedigree to the bench.
“Mike Sullivan is one of the top coaches in the NHL,” said GM Chris Drury. “With his championship résumé and leadership at both the NHL and international levels, he’s the right person to guide our team.”
Drury and Sullivan have a history together, dating back to their time as teammates and through their work with USA Hockey. That familiarity helped cement Sullivan as the clear choice to lead the Rangers forward.
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