OTP - Sending Levi To The AHL Is The Right Move Things are not going well for the New York Rangers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/] right now. While they have a 12-9-1 record, they have lost five straight games. Because of their struggles, the Rangers are ready to shake up their roster, as NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported [https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1861076085448032417?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet] earlier this week. Friedman specifically noted that Chris Kreider is one veteran who the Rangers are willing to listen to offers for. He is a player who the Buffalo Sabres [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres/] should undoubtedly have on their radar. The Sabres need a top-six winger [https://thehockeynews.com/news/three-potential-trade-destinations-for-rangers-chris-kreider], and Kreider is just that. The 6-foot-3 winger has nine goals in 19 games this season and has scored at least 36 goals in his previous three seasons. This includes his monster 2021-22 season, where he had 52 goals and 77 points in 81 games. However, besides being an impactful scorer, Kreider is known for his immense physicality. Thus, he is a threat in more ways than one, so he would be a major addition if acquired by the Sabres. Yet, one notable obstacle in a potential Kreider move is his 15-team no-trade list. If the Sabres are on his no-trade list, they would not be able to acquire him unless he accepted a move to Buffalo. However, the Sabres would not need to worry about this possibility with Kaapo Kakko. Chris Kreider & Kaapo Kakko [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjExMDY3MDYyMTYyODI2NzQw/usatsi_21580707.jpg] Chris Kreider & Kaapo Kakko NHL insider Darren Dreger reported on TSN Insider Trading [https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/new-york-rangers-kaapo-kakko-back-on-trade-market-as-gm-drury-eyes-change-1.2211294] that Kakko's name has resurfaced in the trade market, and he is another Ranger who could possibly be traded. He is a player who the Sabres were previously linked to [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres/latest-news/sabres-have-big-interest-in-rangers-forward#:%7e:text=The%20Sabres%20were%20notably%20connected,The%20Fourth%20Period%20also%20noted.], so it would not be particularly surprising if they made a push for him. Kakko, 23, has had a solid start to the season, posting three goals, 12 points, and a plus-12 rating in 22 games. With numbers like these, he would be a solid addition to the Sabres' middle six. However, when noting that he is a former second-overall pick with high upside, he has the potential to hit a new level. Thus, he could be an excellent player for the Sabres to take a shot on.
