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Realistic, Logical, Ambitious: Three Trade Targets for the Florida Panthers

By Cal Friedman

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JUNE 22: General manager Dale Tallon of the Florida Panthers talks on the phone during Rounds 2-7 of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 22, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JUNE 22: General manager Dale Tallon of the Florida Panthers talks on the phone during Rounds 2-7 of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 22, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Ambitious: Chris Kreider (28, LW, New York Rangers)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 31: Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers celebrates his second period goal against the Detroit Red Wings at Madison Square Garden on January 31, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 31: Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers celebrates his second period goal against the Detroit Red Wings at Madison Square Garden on January 31, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

While Chris Tierney could potentially be one of the best third liners in the league, if Florida were to trade for and play him on their third line, he would be the best third-line player in the league.

Since joining New York from NCAA’s Boston College, Kreider has been one of the most consistent offensive weapons for the Blueshirts. Outside of 2013-14, his Calder season, and 2017-18, in which Kreider missed 24 games with an injury, the American has scored 20+ goals in each season.

In addition to the goals, Kreider’s points mostly come via 5-on-5 hockey, with 230 points coming at even strength, roughly 75% of his total points.

As if those numbers don’t speak enough volume, Kreider’s adjusted numbers make him look even better. This season, Kreider has just 19 goals and 18 assists, but his adjusted numbers show that the winger should have 30 goals and 28 assists just over 50 games in which would be an incredible season for any winger.

The cherry on top, Kreider is on an expiring contract and will be a UFA at season’s end. For New York, a team ten points outside playoff contention, the time may be now to cash-in on their No. 20, and the Panthers might be the team that needs his goalscoring. To make the trade easier, New York may retain salary, but it all depends on what they get back.

With Vincent Trocheck and Brett Connolly struggling for goals as of late, Kreider slotting in would give Florida another great source of offense. This is also someone who has some great experience in the playoffs, leading New York in playoff points in his rookie season, putting 13 points up in 15 games as the Rangers crashed out in the Conference Finals.

While there’s no guarantee New York would even consider moving on from the former BC Eagle, the Panthers could potentially secure Kreider as a sure rental, to potentially get them over the line come playoff time.

Next. Florida Get Thumped at Home by Vegas. dark

Your Panthers are back in action on Saturday, February. 8 @ 7 P.M. to take on the Pittsburgh Penguins, looking to get back into the win column. 

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