Tonight’s showdown between the New York Rangers and the Anaheim Ducks is no ordinary inter-conference game. It marks the return of a longtime former Ranger.
This past summer, the Rangers continued their roster retool, sending Chris Kreider to the Ducks in a seeming cap dump. The Blueshirts needed to free up space to sign players and remain cap compliant.
So, Kreider had to go. Three seasons removed from a career-high 52 goals, the Rangers saw his declining production become a liability for the team. His 22 goals in 68 games last season were seen as one of the weaknesses that took the Rangers from the Presidents’ Trophy to an embarrassing playoff miss.
Following a league-wide memo in which the Rangers made their trade list public, Chris Kreider bears no hard feelings. The 34-year-old told Andrew Knoll of RG Media about how he doesn’t pay attention to the chatter. If anything, he’s fine with the way things have gone:
“I don't think about it. I don't reflect on it. I think there's been enough conversation about it. Obviously, we still get asked about it pretty frequently, and I don’t fault you for asking. But, at the same time, I think it’s a fruitless exercise. I just want to face forward. I’m trying to build and get better with this group [in Anaheim].”
Kreider’s comments point toward a clear intention to find peace within himself and accept the outcome in New York. He bears no ill will towards anyone in the Rangers organization. If anything, the former Rangers star looks forward to reconnecting with some old acquaintances.
He added:
“I’m looking forward to seeing my parents, they’ll be in town. I look forward to seeing some former teammates, Mika [Zibanejad] in particular, I played for such a long time with him. I look forward to seeing a lot of the staff, too, some of the medical staff, and equipment managers. Even some of the management. Everyone, if you’re there long enough, you develop relationships.
If there was anyone out there expecting a grudge match between Kreider and the Rangers, they’ll find cordiality and civility. But once the puck drops, it will be all business for the Kreider and the Ducks.
Kreider concluded:
“We have to remember that it’s an important game for us and an important two points. So, once the dog-and-pony show is done, hopefully we can get down to playing a little hockey.”
Both clubs will be out to win the game, as they are each vying for a playoff spot. The Ducks have been a pleasant surprise this season. Meanwhile, the Rangers are looking to reassert themselves as leaders in the Eastern Conference.