NHL: Los Angeles Kings at New York Rangers - Source: Imagn — New York Rangers' forward Chris Kreider's future discussed by NHL insider (image credit: IMAGN)

NHL insider issues bold claim regarding Chris Kreider's future with Rangers

Modified Dec 21, 2024 14:50 GMT

Chris Kreider has been a key player for the New York Rangers for over a decade. However, recent speculation has raised questions about his future with the team. In a column for The Athletic on Friday, Arthur Staple suggested that Kreider is likely to stay. He believes Rangers general manager Chris Drury would only move him if the team’s situation worsens significantly.

"Unless Drury is adamant about moving on from the closest thing the Rangers have to a lifer — which would mean essentially dumping Kreider for little return, since there’s probably not a robust market for a 33-year-old who’s got two years at $6.5 million left — then I think Kreider stays," Staple wrote.

Kreider is in the fifth year of his seven-year $45.5 million contract, which has a $6.5 million annual cap hit. The contract runs through the 2026-27 season. Staple noted that there may not be much trade interest for a 33-year-old with two years left at that salary. Kreider has expressed a strong desire to retire as a Ranger, according to Staple.

"If things continue to deteriorate this season Kreider’s spot may change, but for now, he definitely wants to be here forever," Staple wrote.

Last season, Kreider was a big part of the Rangers’ success. He scored 39 goals and added 36 assists, helping the team win the President’s Trophy. His performance also included a +19 rating, showcasing his two-way contributions.

However, he has been less consistent this season. In 29 games, he has 11 goals and one assist. He has scored important goals, including one against the Dallas Stars on Friday, which helped his team snap a three-game losing streak.

Chris Kreider's importance for the Rangers and immediate problems to fix

Chris Kreider is still an important player for the Rangers, contributing to the top six, power play and physical play. He has 315 goals and 249 assists in 844 career games. The Rangers started the season strong with a 12-4-1 record but have dropped to 16-15-1 and fifth in the Metropolitan Division.

The team has already traded Jacob Trouba and Kaapo Kakko to try and turn things around. Kreider's performance has raised eyebrows but locker room tensions are their priority to address.

Despite struggles in defense, the Rangers have the best penalty kill in the league at 88.0%. Artemi Panarin leads the team with 37 points; however, they've had trouble with scoring consistency evident in Kreider's performance. Their win against the Dallas Stars provided relief but they need to defeat the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday to start a win streak and gain more confidence.