The New York Rangers organization had an embarrassing 2024-25 season. A year after winning the President's Trophy, the Rangers missed the playoffs by six points, finishing with a 39-36-7 record. Chris Kreider was firmly in the crosshairs of the criticism, as he recorded 30 points in 68 games. It was a 45-point dropoff from his 2023-24 totals.
The Rangers linked up with the Anaheim Ducks to trade their captain, Jacob Trouba, during the regular season, and it looks like the front offices could be in business again, according to Frank Seravalli.
Seravalli says that the teams are in advanced discussions on a deal that could send Kreider to the Ducks, with the return unknown at this time. The likely hold-up is that both teams are also working on other deals, which could either delay the Kreider trade or put an end to it completely.
The Ducks have been on the outside-looking-in of the playoff picture for too long, and it looks like they'll make a push to contend next season. They'll have over $39 million in cap space to improve their team, with the only important contract to get done being Mason McTavish.
They also have Isac Lundestrom, Robby Fabbri, and Drew Helleson on expiring deals, but it's unclear whether they are part of the long-term plan. Lundestrom and Helleson are restricted free agents, so they are likely to return, but Fabbri will likely test the open market on July 1.
Although the deal isn't yet finalized, the landscape of both organizations could look significantly different in the coming days.