New York Rangers' forward Chris Kreider's future discussed by NHL insider (image credit: IMAGN)
Chris Kreider has been a key player for the New York Rangers for over a decade. However, recent speculation has raised questions about his future with the team. In a column for The Athletic on Friday, Arthur Staple suggested that Kreider is likely to stay. He believes Rangers general manager Chris Drury would only move him if the team’s situation worsens significantly.
"Unless Drury is adamant about moving on from the closest thing the Rangers have to a lifer — which would mean essentially dumping Kreider for little return, since there’s probably not a robust market for a 33-year-old who’s got two years at $6.5 million left — then I think Kreider stays," Staple wrote.
Kreider is in the fifth year of his seven-year $45.5 million contract, which has a $6.5 million annual cap hit. The contract runs through the 2026-27 season. Staple noted that there may not be much trade interest for a 33-year-old with two years left at that salary. Kreider has expressed a strong desire to retire as a Ranger, according to Staple.
