Rangers Reportedly Set to Move On From Veteran Star Chris Kreider This Offseason
Just one year after capturing the Presidents’ Trophy and making it to the Eastern Conference Final, the New York Rangers have experienced a stunning collapse — one that will likely result in missing the playoffs altogether.
Despite attempts by management to make quick adjustments throughout the season, the team never managed to regain its confidence or form. And among the many players whose performances have declined, Chris Kreider’s drop-off has been the most striking.
The 33-year-old forward — the Rangers’ longest-tenured player who broke into the NHL straight from Boston College 13 years ago — has seen his production plummet. After scoring 39 goals and tallying 75 points last season, Kreider has managed just 20 goals and 25 points this year.
Much of that decline is tied to the collapse of the team’s power play, which went from fourth-best in the league last season to 27th this year. Kreider, long known for his elite net-front presence and ability to capitalize on deflections and rebounds, hasn’t had the same impact.
But it’s not just the numbers that are down — Kreider’s presence and influence on the ice seem diminished overall.
According to veteran New York Post hockey writer Larry Brooks, Kreider was included in general manager Chris Drury’s internal trade memo sent to other teams back in December — around the same time trade talks involving captain Jacob Trouba began. Brooks suggests that once Kreider learned of his inclusion in potential trade discussions, his performance dipped even further, possibly to discourage any teams from seriously pursuing him.
Brooks now reports that the Rangers are prepared to officially part ways with Kreider once the season concludes.
“It’s time,” Brooks wrote. “The relationship has run its course. You could call it a case of alienation of affection — they’re still under the same roof, but clearly living in separate rooms. The leaked memo probably stung. So did the healthy scratch. And Kreider never publicly addressed either.”
That said, Kreider did acknowledge some physical issues when he spoke to reporters shortly after the memo leak in November, revealing that he had been dealing with chronic lower back problems throughout the season.
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