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Reportedly, amateur and players-providing agencies are deeply engaged in talks that would send veteran forward Chris Kreider to Anaheim. Frank Seravalli seems to suggest the negotiations are near their conclusion, and this tidbit sent the hockey community into frenzy over reactions. This potential move would spell huge changes in both franchises as they embark towards reshaping their rosters for the coming season.
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Chris Kreider has been long considered a Rocker. He is well-liked among New Yorkers as he is fast and physical, along with being a noteworthy playoff performer. However, the team is looking to retool, so it would seem Kreider will be traded in the near future. The Ducks want to put some presence around their young core, though there is some questioning about whether having a 33-year-old fits into their long-term timeline.
This small announcement set social networks aflame, some in shock, others with sarcasm. “Most Ducks move possible,” said one user, poking fun at Anaheim’s habit of picking up players nearing their fade away. Others lamented the loss of a fine player from the Rangers, debating whether Kreider really had anything left to offer at this point in time.
Some others, however, were far from nostalgic. Those claiming to be the most severe named Kreider as now “literally useless” in this very moment, but indeed, those in support argued vehemently about the player’s work ethic and leadership. A heartfelt comment read, “Kreider never once let me down. Grinded as hard as anyone I’ve ever seen in blue. A true professional.”
Meanwhile, speculation about potential returns for the New York ran wild. Some fans wonder if dynamic young center Trevor Zegras could be included in the deal while others expect something smaller with prospects and draft picks. One sarcastic proposal called for an elaborate three-team deal that would see Toronto’s Mitch Marner tossed in-wonderful indication of just how wild trade rumors will get this season.
This idea then would turn into a running joke regarding the Ducks’ apparent plan to keep snagging former Rangers. “Anaheim is addicted to old busted Rangers players,” echoed a fan loyal to the fact having been witness to the team’s acquisition of Frank Vatrano and Jacob Trouba.This other one just said, “Ducks have all the former Rangers lol.”
At a broader level, the trade talks lay bare trends across the NHL, where teams such as Anaheim attempt to balance the evolution of their young talents with the introduction of a heavier dose of veteran presence. If this happens, Kreider’s move could really mean an even more aggressive rebuild for the Rangers if it clears sufficient cap room and/or gifts numerous future assets to them.
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The one thing is pretty clear right now: this would be an end to an era in Rangers’ lore. Whether he flutters into souse glory or gets lost in obscurity, as a somewhat glum voice has intimated, remains to be seen at this juncture. Yet the hockey community will keep refreshing their feeds desperate to find out if the big shot lands or just fizzles out into another Grassroots dustup.