Kreider, who is dealing with back spasms, said he has spoken to GM Chris Drury about recent trade rumors but declined to characterize the conversation.

How appropriate that the Rangers – and especially Chris Kreider – are in Raleigh for the Canes game tonight. The Rangers need the win to escape their unfunny funk. Kreider – whether he plays or not – will look fondly on the Canes for his own personal historic pleasure.

When the Rangers’ longest-tenured player, Chris Kreider, was suddenly sidelined the day after his name was mentioned in president and general manager Chris Drury’s league-wide memo eliciting trade partners,