Chris Kreider has endured a difficult season for the New York Rangers. He's drastically underperformed, and that contract looks like a problem for the Blueshirts. He is already on the wrong side of 30 and signed for another two years after this one with a cap hit of $6.5 million; Kreider has gotten his fair share of criticism for good reason. That doesn't change the historical impact Kreider has had on the New York Rangers.
During his 862-game NHL career, Kreider has scored 320 goals and 252 assists for 572 points, tied with the great Vic Hadfield for the 10th most in the franchise's history. His 320 goals are behind only Jean Ratelle and the late great Rod Gilbert on the all-time list for the New York Rangers. Kreider's name will be in the Rangers record books long after he departs this organization, either through trade, buyout, free agency, or retirement.
How far up those record books will he be, though?
Points
Kreider's 572 points see him 10th in the team's history, and he's only going to move up that list. He needs 14 points to catch Steve Vickers, which could happen before the end of the year if Kreider returns to anywhere near his best after the Four Nations break. Only 48 points ahead of Kreider is Ron Greschner. That's obtainable early next year if Kreider is still a Ranger.
If he stays here for the next five years, we can start talking about the 106 points he needs to catch Walt Tkaczuk or the 119 he needs to catch Mark Messier. That would open the door then to the great Andy Bathgate, who was only 38 points ahead of Messier. Kreider can be in with the all-time greats if he can start to turn it around. He could be a pillar of the Rangers history.
Goals
Kreider made money throughout his career by scoring goals. He is second in powerplay goals in the New York Rangers' history with 115, just one behind Camille Henry. His 12 shorthanded goals rank him fifth in Rangers history, 11 behind Mark Messier's franchise record. He has been a special team menace throughout his career with the Rangers, and we'll see if that continues to be the case.
Overall, his 320 goals with the Rangers have him 3rd in Rangers history. He needs 16 more to catch Jean Ratelle. 86 ahead of Kreider, Rod Gilbert is the all-time franchise leader in goals. That seems unobtainable, but Kreider will not lay by the wayside and ponder whether it is doable. For all the critics he has, he's been a memorable New York Ranger.