Empire Writes Back
Fansided

New York Rangers search for next Captain continues with or without playoffs

By Steve Sanin

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 12: Mika Zibanejad #93 of the New York Rangers skates against the Edmonton Oilers at Madison Square Garden on October 12, 2019 in New York City. The Oilers defeated the Rangers 4-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 12: Mika Zibanejad #93 of the New York Rangers skates against the Edmonton Oilers at Madison Square Garden on October 12, 2019 in New York City. The Oilers defeated the Rangers 4-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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New York Rangers
Chris Kreider, New York Rangers. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

Chris Kreider: Rewarding Loyalty

Chris Kreider is a player who many New York Rangers fans had prepared farewell speeches for, at the trade deadline, this past February. However, in a deadline-day twist, Kreider went from the most valuable asset on the trade market to the most important contract signing of the New York Rangers current rebuild.

His brand new seven-year, $45.5M contract likely means he will finish his career the same way it began, under Madison Square Garden’s bright lights. He has been a fixture on the roster since his electric entrance in the 2012 playoffs. The Massachusetts native is an established veteran who played critical roles in the Rangers deep playoff runs of the recent past, including the Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2014.

Kreider’s combination of size and speed make him a match-up nightmare for opposing teams. His net-front presence is something that the Rangers would have struggled to replace if he was traded. He has also been a vocal leader for this young team over the last few seasons.

In his nearly eight seasons with the Rangers, Kreider has seen the highs and lows of this organization. That’s one of the reasons the Boston College alum makes for a great mentor to the team’s young forward group. He is even fluent in Russian!

That level of communication with wingers like Panarin, Buchnevich, and rookie goalie Igor Shestkerin makes him even more influential in such a diverse locker room. In short, Kreider has been a major factor in the New York Rangers success in the 2010s. He has the potential to have an even greater impact on it as the next captain.

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