First let me say that this is going to hurt Anaheim a lot. Kreider was one of the few forwards on the team that had defensive awareness in all three zones. Chris still can pot some goals for ya as well. He had 22 goals and 50 points last year so he brings and overall game at 35 years old with 958 games of experience. Should be thought of as an excellent addition to a club that is in a position for a cup run this year, something that has evaded Kreider so far in his long tenure mostly with the Rangers. With that in mind lets specualte shall we? 

This move would probably be contingent on the rumored Connor Hellebuyck trade that apparently almost happened at the draft table this year and is still in the works. Buffalo would have to have money going out to make the cap work but if some like the young Ostlund is part of the deal it would leave a spot open on left wing and with Alex Tuch moving on to Washington earlier this summer who was a big leadership player for them, Buffalo would likely welcome the kind of experience Kreider would bring as well as his gritty edge and size. Buffalo really doesn't have a lot of left wingers knocking on the door in the pipeline so a little term could probably be given to Kreder as well. The Sabres have not being a desired destination for players the last decade or so, but after finally making the playoffs last year and winning a round while doing so, the perception of them seems to be changing.

I could see the Flyers doing something like this on a two-year deal while young players like Denver Barkey and Alex Bump continue to get their feet wet in the NHL. Kreider would give the Flyers some more veteran leadership for the young club and provide the with a solid three lines that can score and play solidly defensively at the same time. Kreider, Zegras and Michkov would bring a nice punch that could well support the top line and Foerster, Cates and Tippett would be a sensational 3rd shutdown line that can also produce offense. I already have Philly making it this year but this move would bring it to another level for sure.

Far less of a chance of this happening if Larkin doesn't stay, and I doubt he will but, if money is a factor Kreider could probably get an extra year and the same as he was making if not more in Detroit. If the other locations are not available this would be a good place to go to get the contact and accept a trade at the deadline to a team that might have more cap space available at the deadline due to injuries.  Detroit might give it a shot to entice Larkin to stay and Detroit just needs players right now that can play top lines. If it does not work out Detroit can grab some extra picks at the deadline.

Kreider is from Massachusetts and definitely would be a fan favorite in Boston with his style of play and sort of hometown ties. Boston would probably have to move out a player like Mittelstadt to make the roster work, which I think they have been trying to do anyway, but for me, if Kreider is looking to win now, this may not be the most realistic destination. If he disagrees with me or has just always wanted to play for Boston then this could have some legs.

I would put Tampa in here as well if Kreider is willing to take a smaller one-year deal to go for the cup. It would probably be more of a third line role 'but would put him on a contender. Carolina might have some interest with Jarvis being injured to start the season, and Kreider having a relationship with K.A Miller but after Jarvis comes back I am not sure what his role might be and If Carolina signs Nikishin there not much left in the coffers. 

I am sort of on the Sabre train here. I think his game works well for that system and the added leadership after Tuch leaving would be very valuable. Thanks for reading, catch you on the next one.