The New York Rangers and Bruins are set to combine in a major trade involving a top prospect.
The trade rumor mill is once again buzzing, this time linking the New York Rangers and Boston Bruins in a potential blockbuster deal. Reports suggest that the Rangers are considering sending veteran forward Chris Kreider and top prospect Brennan Othmann to the Bruins in exchange for gritty forward Trent Frederic. While this trade would provide Boston with a significant boost in offensive firepower, it raises questions about whether New York is making the right move.
Chris Kreider has been a staple in the Rangers’ lineup for over a decade, bringing leadership, scoring prowess, and a strong net-front presence. With 52 points in 82 games last season, he remains a productive player, even as he enters the latter stages of his career. Meanwhile, Brennan Othmann, one of New York’s most promising young talents, has been developing into a potential future star. His offensive skills and physical playstyle make him a valuable asset for any NHL team. Moving both of these players in a single trade seems like a significant overpayment, especially considering the return package.
On the other side of the deal, Trent Frederic is a hard-nosed, physical forward who had a breakout 2023-2024 season with 40 points (18 goals, 22 assists). However, his production has dipped this season, with only 15 points (7 goals, 8 assists) in 55 games. While his toughness and ability to play a shutdown role on the third line are valuable, he alone does not seem like a fair return for Kreider and Othmann. If the Rangers are parting with two key pieces, they should expect additional compensation, whether in the form of a top prospect or a high draft pick.
New York’s general manager, Chris Drury, has been known to hold firm in trade negotiations. His past dealings, including the attempted reunion with J.T. Miller, suggest that he is unwilling to move top assets unless he believes it benefits the franchise. In this case, if the Bruins want Kreider and Othmann, they will need to offer more than just Frederic. A high draft pick or an additional prospect would make the deal more palatable for the Rangers, ensuring they are not simply giving away one of their best young players alongside a proven veteran.
For the Bruins, acquiring Kreider would be a major win, as he fits perfectly into their system. His ability to generate offense and contribute in the playoffs would provide Boston with another weapon as they aim for a deep postseason run. Adding Othmann would also bolster their prospect pipeline, giving them a player with high potential to develop into a future top-six forward. The cost, however, must be fair, and at this point, the proposed deal appears lopsided in favor of Boston.
Unless the Rangers can extract more value from the Bruins, it would be wise for Drury to hold off on finalizing the trade. While Frederic is a solid depth player, he does not match the value of Kreider and Othmann combined. If Boston is serious about making this trade, they need to sweeten the deal, or New York should walk away. With the March 7 trade deadline approaching, the Rangers must ensure that any move they make positions them for long-term success rather than a short-term gamble.
