NHL insider highlights how Chris Drury's handling of 'uncomfortable' Chris Kreider, Jacob Trouba trade talk could harm Rangers

New York Rangers general manager Chris Drury has revealed that virtually everyone, including Jacob Trouba and Chris Kreider, can be traded this year. The Rangers are off to a 12-7-1 start and could move some pieces around, including some of their best and biggest names.

According to Hockey insider Vince Z. Mercogliano, league sources indicate that it will be "exceedingly difficult for Drury to put his stamp on the roster at this curious juncture." He added that even if they do manage to land some trade partners, it is "hard to see how they come out ahead."

"There's also the question of how it will be perceived by other players, both current and potential signings in the future. Business is business, but people around the league take notice of how these uncomfortable situations are handled," Mercogliano said on via Lohud.

The NHL insider says other players see how "respected leaders like Kreider and Trouba" are currently in trade rumors without much conversation with the front office.

Mercogliano said those teams saw the "sneaky manner in which Barclay Goodrow was uprooted over the summer" and believe they would not be exempt, either.

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Jacob Trouba opens up on Chris Drury's comments

Chris Drury didn't say the New York Rangers would be having a fire sale this year, but he didn't say anyone was truly off-limits in trade talks. Jacob Trouba, who has already been through trade rumors once before, opened up on the situation.

Jacob Trouba opened up on Chris Drury's comments (Imagn)

He said via the New York Post:

“It doesn’t really matter. I’m happy to be here. I’m focused on playing hockey. Can’t really control that, I think I learned that throughout the summer. You’ve gotta kind of block all that out and focus on playing hockey with this group here and being the best we can be.”

Trouba, in his sixth season, revealed that he hasn't spoken to the GM after his comments. He is the captain and it would be a surprise to see him moved elsewhere, but he was the subject of trade rumors during the offseason as well. Trouba also said it was just "part of the business."