The New York Rangers are falling behind the rest of the pack in the Eastern Conference wildcard race. Even though they are in the midst of it, the cards are still stacked against them to make it to the postseason.
Whenever this season ends, whether it is soon or later on, one thing is starting to become clear. There is a veteran player on this Rangers squad that is playing his final games with this franchise. If Rangers fans didn’t have enough depression saying farewell to legendary broadcaster Sam Rosen, this is going to hurt just as bad.
This player, who has personified what it means to be a Ranger, has fallen out of sorts this season, and his time here has come to a bitter end. Much like Mats Zuccarello and Kevin Hayes' departure, this is a fan-favorite, and no one wants to see them leave, but they understand why it may happen.
Chris Kreider
After 875 games, 323 goals, and 253 assists, Chris Kreider may have just played his way out of New York this offseason. He had a disappointing 2024-25 campaign, and with only a handful of games to go, these very well could be his last in front of the Rangers faithful.
This season, after rattling off three solid seasons in a row, his point production hit an absolute wall. Kreider has 19 goals and five assists this season for 24 points. Injuries have also played a key part in his downfall this season and the inconsistency he showed with his usual line-mate Mika Zibanejad.
Even though Kreider is still on the hook for $6.5 million until the end of the 2026-27 season, this could be the end for him in New York. I’m sure there are plenty of teams that could use his talents, but he just doesn’t fit the current mold that the Rangers are trying to build.
End of an era
If this is the end for Kreider, it is the end of an era. The era that showcased Henrik Lundqvist, Ryan Callahan, Dan Girardi, Rick Nash, Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan McDonough, and the aforementioned Zuccarello comes to a close with Kreider's move. Those teams from 2013-14 through 2019-20 were truly magical.
The big key and indicators that this could come to fruition, was all of that drama around the beginning of the season and trade deadline. General Manager Chris Drury was very vocal in looking for buyers for Kreider and sources have indicated that it was nearly a reality.
Only time will tell what happens with Kreider. This season is not over yet, and the Rangers have not been eliminated from playoff contention. He could finish the season strong and win back the organization's confidence, or it might be time to say goodbye.