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Chris Kreider’s New York Rangers record goal chase continues

By Conor Power

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 16: Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers skates against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at Madison Square Garden on March 16, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 16: Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers skates against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at Madison Square Garden on March 16, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 16: Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers skates against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at Madison Square Garden on March 16, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 16: Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers skates against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at Madison Square Garden on March 16, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

As one of the original six franchises, the New York Rangers have an illustrious history, that cannot be denied. Hall of Fame caliber players litter the past of this historic hockey club. While Chris Kreider may not be a Hall of Famer when his career is said and done, he is climbing the New York Rangers’ all-time goal-scoring ranks at a rapid rate. For the Boxford, Massachusetts native to have such a major impact on this New York franchise is a strong statement.

Kreider has collected 30 goals this season. It’s the second time in his career that he has achieved 30 in a season. In his career, Kreider has collected 259 goals for the Blueshirts and that is enough to have him 6th all-time for the Rangers. Sixth. In the history of the New York Rangers franchise, only five players have more goals for this franchise. That’s more than guys like Mark Messier.

It doesn’t seem like Kreider is done in his chase of Blueshirt glory either. Vic Hadfield is the next player on the radar for Kreider to track down. Hadfield tallied 262 with the Rangers so there is a chance that the Rangers 1st rounder from the 2009 draft passes that total before the end of this season. If that doesn’t fall before the end of the season you would be surprised. Three goals in the final fourteen games of this year.

Ahead of Hadfield is Andy Bathgate’s 272. That’s one that should fall early next season. Adam Graves 280 is ahead of that. Both should fall if the Rangers’ power forward just reaches the 20-goal mark next season, which he has only failed to do twice in his career (his rookie and sophomore seasons). By the end of next season, he should be 3rd all-time in Rangers goal-scoring.

It is a little bit more of a gap from Graves’ 280 to Jean Ratelle’s 336. That may take a couple of seasons to achieve. Rod Gilbert’s 406 is the franchise record, but even that is not out of reach for the forward. Kreider is signed until the end of 2026-27 so there’s enough time for him to catch everyone here. It’s just 150 goals from here to the franchise leader for him so remember that the next time he puts the puck in the net.

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