Why the Rangers should retire Chris Kreider’s Number 20 at Madison Square Garden

Dear Chris Kreider,

I don't even know where to start.

Maybe with this: Thank you for everything. You weren't just a player. You were the pulse of this organization for 13 years, the final connection to the 2014 Eastern Conference Champions, to Henrik Lundqvist, to Derek Stepan, to Marty St Louis, to that era that made all of us believe again.

Now, 13 years, 883 games, 326 goals, 48 playoff tallies, a nine- year bromance with Mika Zibanejad and one unforgettable Blueshirts career later — you're heading west. It hurts even when we saw it coming, Rangerstown felt ambivalent.  We get it. The cap is tight, and the roster's changing. The direction is shifting. You knew it was time, waiving your no-trade clause with class, just like you've done everything since you stepped into that playoff game in Ottawa back in 2012 and scored your first postseason goal without ever playing a regular season tilt.

Your No. 20 is going to the rafters at Madison Square Garden. Anyone who says otherwise isn't paying attention. You don't need a ring to be a legend in New York. You already are. You will be up there next to Ed Giacomin, Rod Gilbert, Mike Richter, Mark Messier, Brian Leetch, Harry Howell, Andy Bathgate, Jean Ratelle, Vic Hadfield, and Hank — because like them, you defined an era.

President and General Manager Chris Drury got something back. A prospect, Erie Otters (OHL) captain and back-back American World Junior gold medalist in forward Carey Terrance, who projects to be a solid bottom six forward starting in 2026-27. The Rangers also received the 2025 Toronto Maple Leafs third-round pick, and some cap relief, offloading the final two years, and $13 million of a veteran contract. It's a business. The prize is the space. Still, nothing beats having you here. All those years, all those moments. Every shift you played in blue meant something to someone.

A former Rod Gilbert "Mr, Ranger" award winner in 2022, you leave as the original six franchise's all-time leader in playoff goals (48). Top three in goals overall (328). You're tied for the most power-play goals (116). Second in game-winners with 50. Top ten in points with 582. You've played the most playoff games of any Broadway skater at 123— and made each one count, especially the ones where our backs were against the wall—16 goals in elimination games. No one else in NHL history has done that. You did. Your natural hat trick in Carolina last season during Game 6 against the Hurricanes, where you gathered hats off your lawn upon returning home. The magic on the power play. The 52-goal season. The comeback in Game 5 vs Washington, where you saved the 2015 campaign with the game-tying goal against the Caps.

The net-front chaos you brought every night. The speed, leadership, and heart. The moments. You were always a 16-game player. We know the 2024-25 season wasn't your best. You probably know it, too. Yet, that doesn't change what came before it. It doesn't change what's coming next following your career when your number is displayed in the MSG rafters.

You and the fourth round pick acquired in the Jacob Trouba trade are being dealt to the Anaheim Ducks, reuniting with some familiar faces: Ryan Strome, Trouba, Frank Vatrano, and your summer training partner, Trevor Zegras.

At 34 years old, you bring veteran leadership to a young team and get a fresh start. I hope they appreciate you there the way we still do. Stick-taps Chris — for each screen, every celebration, tear, tip-in for carrying the torch through years of change, disappointment, hope, and heart. You were never just a Ranger. You were our Ranger. I'm excited for the day those lights dim and the banner rises; we'll all be standing — because that No. 20 belongs in the Garden forever.

With love and gratitude, a lifelong fan.