After the year Chris Kreider had on the ice throughout the 2024-25 National Hockey League season, a lot of fans are calling for his removal from the New York Rangers roster, but fans show be careful for what they wish for.
Kreider scored 22 goals in 68 games during the season, but also only tallied a mere eight assists. His 30 points in 68 games was his worst statistical season to date and was a 45-point drop off from his 75 points during Rangers most recent Presidents’ Trophy run. Clearly, not his best work.
But what is often overlooked in the sports world is how valuable players are who contribute off the ice. Players who act as a leader and mentor for the younger players and who go out of their way to help develop future talent. Kreider is one of those players.
Here's why Kreider not being a Blueshirt would be a bad thing for the Rangers franchise due to what he brings the team off the ice.
Chris Kreider, the leader
Over time, Kreider has became an impressive leader to his teammates due to his committment to the team. The Massachusetts native is known for being a team player and putting the team's needs ahead of his own.
He proven to be a positive force for the team. Let us also not forget that in the midst of having a difficult season, he also suffered many internal and external injuries and had to sit out 14 games.
For instance — Kreider's leadership can specifically be demonstrated by his ability to motivate others. On June 1, 2022, just 1:11 into the Eastern Conference Finals against Tampa Bay, Kreider put a charge into teammate Mika Zibanejad’s cross-ice feed and beat Andrei Vasilevskiy to put the Rangers up 1-0 en route to a convincing 6-2 victory.
Chris Kreider, the veteran
For those living under a rock, Kreider is currently the longest-tenured veteran on the New York roster. He has been a loyal member of the New York Rangers for 14 seasons.
He holds the team record for playoff goals, is tied for most goals when facing elimination in NHL history, and scored some of the most high-stakes Rangers goals in recent memory. Let's walk though two of his most recent and best career moments.
2. April 18-22, 2023
Over the course of Games 1 through 3 of the first round against New Jersey in 2023, Kreider pounded the Devils with five goals. Four of them were on the power play, and multiple of them were courtesy of his league-best deflection skills.
1. May 16, 2024
The New York Rangers were down 3-1 to Carolina with the third period of Game 6 of the second round underway. This game was unique in that it was preceded by two straight losses after having led the series 3-0. Kreider recorded a miraculous natural third period hat trick to clinch the series and send the Rangers on their way to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second time in three years.
Chris Kreider, the mentor
Kreider's strong worth ethic, dedication and positive attitude make him an ideal mentor. This is also only backed up by Kreider's relationship with developing Blueshirts Matt Rempe and Gabe Perreault.
Rempe, 22-years-old, appeared in 42 games this season after just playing 17 last season. During the offseason Kreider regularly had Rempe join him in training.
Kreider was also one of the first players to reach out to fellow Boston College alumni Gabe Perreault after he signed on the dotted line on March 31.
"Enjoy it," Kreider said to Perreault according to NHL.com. "Enjoy it and have fun. It is a whirlwind. There is a lot of information being thrown at you, so for him it's just go out and play and have fun."