Talking about Chris Kreider is no simple task—not with the emotional weight he carries. It’s not just Chris Drury’s internal message, his underwhelming season, his modified no-trade clause, or even the recurring back issues he’s visibly battled (though that metaphor practically writes itself). Kreider holds a deeper significance for Rangers fans. This isn’t just about stats and performance metrics. He embodies the many uncertainties surrounding the Blueshirts this offseason—and has, for thirteen years, embodied the team itself.
Once the steady presence in a constantly shifting roster, Kreider is now part of the growing list of unknowns. Let’s break down his season—and more importantly, what might come next.
Expectations
It was always going to be a challenge for Kreider to top his 2023–24 heroics. His third-period natural hat trick in Game 6 of the second round against Carolina—essentially willing the Rangers into the Eastern Conference Final—will likely stand as the crowning moment of his career. At 34, it’s hard to imagine him eclipsing that performance.
Still, Kreider has a knack for the unexpected. Remember, he posted a 52-goal campaign in 2021–22 at the age of 31. His strict diet, dedicated training, and intense commitment to the sport have helped him maintain his edge longer than most. Another solid season wouldn’t have shocked anyone.
But age catches everyone eventually. The game gets faster as you slow down. Familiar skills become harder to rely on. Years of battling in the corners and crashing the net add up, no matter how disciplined your routine is. Longevity in the NHL has its limits.
While some may have cautiously expected a step back from the Rangers’ elder statesman, few foresaw his name becoming emblematic of a season gone wrong.
