Are the Calgary Flames Buyers Or Sellers When It Comes To The Trade Market? Chris Kreider prolonged his hockey career – although not necessarily as a Ranger – with his effort last night in Boston. It wasn't so much his goal in the 2-1 loss to Sweden as it was the veteran's all-around game. Bet on the Blueshirts to dump the vet if they miss the playoffs, but he'll find another gig in nothing flat; perhaps even in Pittsburgh. Team USA coach – also Penguins bench boss – Mike Sullivan sounded like Kreider's agent after the 2-1 game. "Chris did more than score," said Sully. "He really can skate; he has good size and he can kill penalties; plus he worked the power play." Listening to Sullivan rave about Kreider you'd think he was lobbying for Connor McDavid. Sullivan: "Kreider also is good in puck pursuit and his north-south speed is a challenge for any opponent." MAILBAG: In all fairness I have to admit that – a year ago – my Manhattan buddy Mark Linde started a pre-trade deadline rant. "The Rangers should get Jake Guentzel." It later turned into "The Rangers should have gotten Jake Guentzel for their playoff run." Of course they didn't and all Jake has done since them is prove that he's a winner. We saw that in the last USA-Canada tussle and we'll likely see it again on Thursday in Boston. BULLSEYE IN BOSTON: Now in his 32d year running the NHL Gary Bettman scored another big one with the current success of the Four Nations tourney. A week before it began nobody could guess what fan appeal it would garner. Results so far both in ratings and media critical acclaim are beyond any promoter's dream. And the best is yet to come, considering the mad appeal Thursday's USA-Canada clash already has inspired. The Bettman-Daly duo picked the right places, the right time and the right players for this rare tourney. WHAT IF THE RANGERS WERE ELIMINATED? Should the Blueshirts blow it in the homestretch, Chris Drury will haul some prospects up from Hartford. My fearless, faultless superscout Jess Rubenstein offers these clues: DYLAN GARAND: "With Jonathan Quick and Louis Domingue both UFAs and Garand an RFA it will be time to promote the young goalie. This way the general staff will learn whether Garand has an NHL future." ADAM SYKORA: "He's read for a bottom six role on the team. He'sconsidered am excellent defensive forward." BRETT BERARD: "Gabe Perreault does everything Berard does only better at both ends of the ice. If the Rangers are not going to carry two 5-8 forwards – the other being Perreault – then Berard should be showcased for a trade." MORE FROM BEANTOWN: Nobody's glowing more about the Four Nations success than native New Englander Mike Sullivan. Talking about hockey's growth across America, Sully pointed to "non-traditional markets" once mocked by Canadian critics. "We're now developing big-leaguers in places nobody would have dreamed of 30 years ago," says Sully. "Florida, Arizona, Tennessee, and California – among others – are part of hockey's growth in the States." Mark The Maven's word; next it will be Utah!
