Confess I did not read every post this thread, but think there is one angle not yet discussed.
IMO, we should keep Kreider at 6.2 -- an acceptable # -- for 5 yrs instead of 7 or 8, 7 being conventional wisdom, No certainty but to remain comfy in NY with Zib and emerging, rebounding team, I think he goes there.
The separate $64,000 ? is whether or not he is cool with us pimping his ass out for half a season.
If he is uncomfortable with that, then let it go.
But if he more than gives a wink and tells GMJG discreetly that he understands the team would be helped by shipping him out for the balance of this season, and so he gives his blessing, and he will/would be inclined to return to NY, then, depending on the rental swag, that is all worth considering.
We've mostly covered that.
Now for the new part.
Not just trading him for highest return, but for best offer to best location that best suggests/supports his return to NYR.
So that means a team with cap issues less likely to afford him beyond this season.
TB fits, but they don't wanna pay, so buh bye.
St. Louis fits.
Now the question is what is a wince but doable for the Blues, but enuf for the Broadway Blueshirts?
I would take Kyrou as a solid down payment, + a conditional 1st.
If Blues win the Cup OR if Kreider does not resign with NYR then St. Louis 2020 1st to NYR.
Blues would be hard to beat with Kreider, and if SC was realized, then the premium add would be a worthwhile surrender.
Blues would not be expecting to afford, thus resign Kreider, and odds are good he would return to NY.
I think that is a win win compromise that serves everyone in the long run.