New York Rangers: Three thoughts after three games

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OTTAWA, ON – OCTOBER 5: Erik Brannstrom #26vand Artem Anisimov #51 of the Ottawa Senators skate aftercChris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers at Canadian Tire Centre on October 5, 2019 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images) /

1. What’s going on with Chris Kreider?

One of the most talked about players during the summer because of his contract status, Chris Kreider arrived at training camp with plenty of question marks hovering over his head.

With his current deal set to expire next summer, there was speculation whether Kreider would get dealt for more draft picks or prospects or even be handed a new contract and the coveted “C” to become the official face of this rebuild.

However, both player and franchise were clear that they were not going to let contract talks interfere with the task ahead and both parties seemed relaxed with leaving things as they were.

In fact, it has almost seemed at points that the franchise were building up to something given all the leadership praise that has been dished out to Kreider on the team’s official website and social media channels.

I myself have been very vocal in the past when voicing my opinion that Kreider has a big role to play in the future of this team as it enters an exciting new era, and I still stand by that thought.

If the Rangers are leaning towards handing Kreider an extension then they should cut the suspense and get it done now.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 12: Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers skates off the ice following a 4-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers at Madison Square Garden on October 12, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

Because, and I could be wrong, but Kreider has looked distracted to start the year and he hasn’t looked good on the second line with Ryan Strome and rookie sensation Kaapo Kakko.

He failed to register a single shot on goal against the Edmonton Oilers and he has only flung the puck on net five times in three games. One of those attempted shots on Saturday hit the post.

Kreider does have two assists to his name and he has played a part in how effective the power play has been with his net front presence, but he hasn’t offered nearly enough in three games and that has contributed to a worrying lack of secondary scoring.

Of course, three games is a small sample size and it could be just a matter of time until Kreider breaks from the shackles.

And let’s hope that is the case.

But Kreider, who picked up a lower body injury on Saturday, hasn’t played like a man in a contract year so far and it could benefit all parties if the New York Rangers make a decision on their power forward sooner rather than later.

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