The New York Rangers entered this season banking on new head coach Mike Sullivan taking essentially last year's roster and try to bring them back to the playoffs. But before the season, general manager Chris Drury decided to free some money off of their books, much like they did with Jacob Trouba the year prior. Drury decided it was time to move on from Chris Kreider, and like Trouba, dealt him to the Anaheim Ducks.
The move has since backfired for the Rangers, as they are among the worst scoring teams in the NHL, averaging just 2.21 goals per game in 14 games, ranking second-lowest. On Tuesday night the Rangers lost 3-0 to the Carolina Hurricanes, now making them 0-5-1 at home this season.
After the game, Sullivan said that the Rangers need to be better in the front of the net. That is a role Kreider thrived in during his 13 years with the team.
To make matters worse, the Rangers and Drury are watching Kreider thrive in Anaheim, as he has already scored seven goals in his first eight games with the Ducks. Kreider scored his latest goal on Tuesday night in the Ducks' 7-3 win over the Florida Panthers.
Kreider, his 7th, in 8 games. 6-3, Ducks. Mike Sullivan was just mentioning tonight how the Rangers need to be better at net front… https://t.co/lsmldtr3wb
— Colin Stephenson (@ColinSNewsday) November 5, 2025
Chris Drury's decision to trade Chris Kreider already backfiring for Rangers
During the Rangers' early season struggles, fans may have muttered to themselves, "we could really use Kreider right about now." Kreider scored 326 goals during his lengthy Rangers career, which is the third-most by any player in franchise history. He could snipe pucks past opposing goaltenders, but his bread and butter was tipping in shots while standing near the goaltender's crease. He was a big bodied forward who could bully his way in front of the net and tip in shots from his teammates.
Here is what Sullivan said after Tuesday's loss to the Hurricanes.
"For me, a big part of the game was the net fronts. I think we could've done a better job offensively in fighting for the blue paint, making the sightlines difficult, getting some sticks on pucks," said Sullivan, h/t SNY.
Ironically, Kreider's latest goal on Tuesday night arrived as he stood in front of the Florida net.
🚨 Kreider 🚨
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) November 5, 2025
It's 6-3! #FlyTogether pic.twitter.com/DeTqasmzsu
Not only is Kreider thriving in Anaheim, but so is the entire offense under head coach Joel Quennville. Thorugh their first 12 games of the season, the Ducks are the best scoring team in the league, averaging 3.92 goals per game. Cutter Gauthier, who jilted the Rangers rivals in Philadelphia, is tied for the league-lead in goals scored with 10.
Drury isn't exactly a fan favorite for the recent work he's done to try to shed salary while simultaneously building a contender. The results thus far aren't the greatest, especially when looking at the struggles this year. Maybe it was time for the team to move on from Kreider when the trade happened. But given their struggles and Kreider thriving, the trade looks to be a massive mistake so far.