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Redrafting the New York Rangers part 2: Paying for a contender

By Daniel Blanda

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 29: Dylan McIlrath #42 of the New York Rangers dives to hit the puck during the game against the Philadelphia Flyers at Madison Square Garden on September 29, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 29: Dylan McIlrath #42 of the New York Rangers dives to hit the puck during the game against the Philadelphia Flyers at Madison Square Garden on September 29, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers takes in some smelling salts (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers takes in some smelling salts (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

2009 – Original Selection #19 Chris Kreider

The Boston College prospect was an immediate shot of adrenaline for the New York Rangers in the 2011-12 Stanley Cup playoffs. Not many players make their debut in the postseason and even fewer stay in the lineup for the duration of a Cup run. Chris Kreider did both.

The hype for Kreider was real. With his 220 lb., 6’3″ frame, his ability to drive to the net and with the mentorship of Rick Nash, Chris Kreider had all the trimmings to be the next great Power Forward in the league. Fans suspected it was a matter of time before he eclipsed 35 goals a season consistently.

However, Chris Kreider has yet to hit the 30-goal mark. Had the season continued this year, there was a chance for Kreider finally get over the hump, but in eight seasons, the Boxford, Massachusetts native has topped off at 28 goals twice.

Rangers fans have articulated their frustrations with Chris Kreider over the years. He works so hard and does so many things right, but it seems like there’s another level to his game that he can’t tap into for whatever reason. When he plays north-south hockey, Chris Kreider is a real problem for opposing teams.

New Selection: Chris Kreider

Would fans rather have Ryan O’Reilly who was drafted 33rd overall? Most would,  but Chris Kreider is a leader on the Rangers roster today and has proven to be the player that the New York Rangers hoped for when they selected him 19th out of the NCAA. You can argue whether they should have traded him at the most recent trade deadline instead of resigning him, but Chris Kreider has been a consistent fixture that any team would be lucky to have.

Other notable players available:

#21 John Moore, #24 Marcus Johansson, #26 Kyle Palmieri, #35 Kyle Clifford, #39 Jakob Silfverberg, #60 Tomas Tatar

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