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The New York Rangers have officially started their roster shakeup by trading former captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for defenseman Urho Vaakanainen and a 2025 fourth-round pick.
Trouba has been in the rumor mill since this past off-season and things picked up again late last month when NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that the Rangers were ready to make roster changes.
While the Rangers have made their first big trade of the season, they’re likely not done making moves. Due to this, let’s discuss three Blueshirts who could be traded next.
Related: It’s Official: New York Rangers Trade Captain Jacob Trouba To Anaheim Ducks
Chris Kreider, LW
Chris Kreider is another big-name Rangers player who Friedman reported could be on the move, so he is a clear player to watch.
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Kreider, 33, should draw interest from teams looking to add a top-six winger. This is because he is an impactful power forward who is a major scoring threat and throws the body. In addition, he has had at least 36 goals in the previous three seasons. He is also on pace to achieve this again, as he has 10 goals in his first 22 games this season.
Related: Three Potential Trade Destinations For Rangers’ Chris Kreider
Kreider carries a $6.5 million cap hit until the completion of the 2026-27 season and has a 15-team no-trade list for the remainder of his deal.
Kaapo Kakko, RW
Kaapo Kakko is another Rangers winger who has the potential to be dealt. NHL insider Darren Dreger recently reported that the 2019 second-overall pick’s name has resurfaced in the trade market and could be moved.
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Kakko, 23, is an easier player for the Rangers to flip if they wish to. Unlike Kreider, he has zero trade protection and cannot block any potential move. He also has a reasonable $2.4 million cap hit for the season.
As a former top prospect, Kakko should generate interest around the league. In 24 games this season, the Turku, Finland native has four goals, 13 points, and a plus-10 rating.
Ryan Lindgren, D
Ryan Lindgren is another Ranger who should be watched this season. With the Rangers shaking up their roster and Lindgren being a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA), he could be expendable if they do not view him as a long-term part of their plans.
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If Lindgren is officially made available, he could be a popular target for teams looking for help on the left side of their defense. This is because he can play top-pairing minutes and thrives on the penalty kill.
Lindgren, 26, has appeared in 20 games this season, where he has one goal, four points, 32 hits, and a plus-1 rating.
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