No, lav should build the PP around fox, laf and panarin and maybe even cuylle the way he is playing.
Kreider is the past. Need to look forward.
Kreider is an all time Ranger, but the years have caught up to him. 34 by seasons end. He's a shell of himself 5v5 and I would rather chalk it up to the punishment he has taken, than accuse him really of checking out. He should have his number retired regardless.
Drury/Laviolette need to have the chat with Kreider and other select veterans (Mika, Trouba obviously) that their roles will be significantly reduced, like others have pointed out Dallas did with Benn/Seguin when their young core started to pop. If they want to save their full effort for the playoffs they can do it by sitting on the bench and letting our 23 year old studs lead the team. The ice time against Calgary was terrible. Lavi is too busy blaming the refs and Drury we havent heard from in ages. Stop being beholden to this core because if they do its a waste of a season. All options would be on the table for me in the summer regarding the vets if they don't at least get to the Finals.
Is Kreider still producing at a sufficiently high level, esp relative to his cap hit?
answer, yes
Is there any objective basis to think that is gonna fall off the cliff anytime soon?
answer, no
true, no one defeats Fr time, but those who stay in peak physical condition can hold that off a bit
I see him doing what it takes to be contributing at 40-ish
not zero, but little chance wheels fall off before then presuming he continues to train hard, etc, which no reason to not think that
when he hits 37-38, then your perspective MIGHT be more valid
but not now
there are no sacred cows
anyone can be dealt
but relative what he delivers vs return, best bet is to keep CK
the only exception might be McAvoy
Is trading Lindgren for a 2nd and 3rd then a 1st for Provorov even an upgrade ?
this boat has sailed b'c you and others did not listen to me and deal earlier when he had value
now he is too beat up
IF LUCKY
max value now IMO is Lindy + 2 lesser picks [2 3rds] for 2 2nds not anytime soon
and that would be a team willing to pay based on injury need/similar
only 3-ish yrs ago, could have gotten around 20-25OA value
but NNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
we had to self rent
meanwhile his wear and tear is beyond ridiculous
I would give a low pick to move him now for cap relief and give Mancini mins immediately