Maple Leafs Connected to NY Rangers Veteran Amid Offseason Retool

“Is Chris Kreider the right target? The New York Rangers are expected throw his name out there again as they try to free up some cap space," Pagnotta wrote. "The former 52-goal scorer had a down year, but his $6.5 million cap hit, and style of player, could fit nicely on the team’s second line if they feel he can regain 30+ goal form.”

Kreider finished the season with 22 goals and 30 points in 68 games, a sharp decline from the 39-goal campaign he posted just a year earlier.

Kreider has two years remaining on his seven-year, $45.5 million contract and holds a 15-team no-trade clause, holding some leverage in his potential destination.

Though Kreider expressed his desire to remain with the Rangers, trade speculation has surrounded him since reports emerged that general manager Chris Drury circulated his name in a memo to other teams at the start of the season.

“This is home for me,” Kreider said. “This is the organization that gave me an opportunity to live out my dream.”