Chris Kreider has had quite the Summer
Despite the Rangers’ early playoff exit, Chris Kreider’s summer has been eventful. He mentored at the junior camp, scored a shootout winner at Shoulder Check, tied the knot with teammate Mika Zibanejad as best man, and remains driven after the playoff loss.
The New York Ranger’s early exit from the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs hasn’t stopped left winger Chris Kreider from enjoying his Summer vacation.
Chris Kreider’s Eventful Summer:
First, he showed up at the junior Rangers camp, where he participated and took time to mentor the young kids. Isn’t that awesome?
And then, in August, he took part in the Shoulder Check Showcase, and guess what? He scored the shootout winner, leading his team to a thrilling 10-9 victory.
MUST-SEE: Chris Kreider pulls off an unreal move in the shootout for Team St. Louis at Shoulder Check Showcase! He's gotta try this in the regular season, no? And Mika Zibanejad tries something that doesn't quite work. #NYR #HT40 pic.twitter.com/yGGwrietoj
— Jon Chik (@JChik17) August 5, 2023
It may seem like a small victory, but it meant much to Kreider. He even took time to sign autographs for the fans in attendance.
Amazing evening in Stamford, where NHL players took part in the first annual Shoulder Check Showcase to benefit the #HT40 Foundation.
— Jon Lane (@JonLaneNHL) August 4, 2023
"It's a small thing but a big thing," #NYR forward Chris Kreider https://t.co/7huUHH39a7
Chris Kreider signs autographs for fans at the Shoulder Check Showcase at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford #cthk @GameTimeCT pic.twitter.com/0kCexsKHH0
— Dave Stewart (@DStewartSports) August 3, 2023
But that’s not all. A week later, Kreider tied the knot and showcased some awe-inspiring dance moves at his wedding. His best man was his Rangers teammate and closest friend, Mika Zibanejad. Talk about a strong bond!
https://twitter.com/BR_OpenIce/status/1690868372647329792?s=20
https://twitter.com/mgweissman/status/1690589451951509504?s=20
However, despite all these cheerful moments, the bitter taste of New York’s loss to New Jersey in the first round of the playoffs has lingered for Kreider. He shared his feelings with NHL Network, saying, “Like every guy on the team, I’ve got a pit in my stomach still, and I expect that to turn into a bit of a chip on everyone’s shoulders… We should have done better. We all know that.” he told NHL Network. It’s good to see the competitive fire burning in him.
Chris Kreider hasn't gotten over the New York Rangers early playoff exit last season. #NYR pic.twitter.com/nKnaxvFJw4
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) August 9, 2023
Remember, Kreider has been a true blue Ranger throughout his 11-year career. He’ll be one for at least four more years at a $6.5 million cap hit. Kreider agreed to a 7-year extension in 2020, which took effect in 2021.
This 32-year-old left winger has been a force to reckon with. He managed to rack up 36 goals and 54 points in the last season, and that’s not all – he even contributed six goals and nine points in just seven playoff games. That’s the kind of player you want on your team, especially when the stakes are high.
The performance came a year after an astonishing 52 goals during the 2021-22 season. Kreider’s certainly a force on the ice, and it’s clear he’s passionate about helping his team reach its full potential.