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Who can fill leadership void created by Rangers trade of Chris Kreider?

ByJustin Bonhard|
Mar 20, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) celebrates his goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
Mar 20, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) celebrates his goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images | Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

It is the end of an era in New York. Chris Kreider has been traded to the Anaheim Ducks, marking the end of his 13-year career in the Big Apple. Thank you, CK20, for everything.

With that said, there is now a massive void in the already shaky and inconsistent leadership group. Who can fill the void created by Kreider's departure? For a long time, many of the Rangers faithful wanted Kreider to be the captain of the Rangers, but as that ship has sailed, someone new has to step up and take his role.

Let's take a look.

Mika Zibanejad

Seeing Mika Zibanejad step into an elevated leadership role would not be a shock. He has been at the forefront of this franchise for years, alongside his now-traded best friend, Kreider. 

Zibanejad had a down year in 2024-25, but his performance in the World Championships has since shown some new life. But, it is hard to ignore the elephant in the room that the Rangers' front office just traded away his closest teammate. 

Zibanejad can step up and lead, or shut down and let one of these others have the chance. 

Alexis Lafrenière

Often referred to as Kreider’s pupil, Alexis Lafrenière might be ready to step up and take some leadership. 

This could be a situation mirroring that of Henrik Lundqvist and Igor Shesterkin. Once Lundqvist was traded away to Washington and subsequently retired, it fell to Shesterkin to fill the King’s shoes. Thus crowning him as “The Prince”. 

The same thing applies here with Krieder and Lafrenière, as they were as close to teacher and student as you can get on this team. With the teacher now gone, it is time for the student to mature into a bigger role.

J.T. Miller

This one makes the most sense. J.T. Miller was not brought back to the Rangers to only play great hockey. The front office needs him to lead this team and set an example. 

If there is one player that can replace Kreider and bring this franchise back from the dead in 2025-26, it's Miller. He did it in Vancouver, and for 32 games last season, he proved to be a very valuable member of the future. 

With Kreider gone, the only remaining member of the “golden days”, dating back to the 2013 through 2015 playoff runs is Miller. This team has some veterans that have run the postseason gauntlet but only Miller did it in a Blueshirts uniform.