Breaking the Core to Clear the Cap: Chris Kreider’s Departure Is Just the Beginning

Editor's Note: To get this out of the way at the top: This story is not about Chris Kreider's legacy here in New York. That one will come later when I find the words to express what he meant to this organization in full. Instead, this article is about the trade itself and what I think it represents about where the team is moving forward.

Just over a year ago, Chris Kreider was spotted picking hats up off his lawn following his heroic natural hat trick in the third period of a crucial Game 6 against Carolina Hurricanes in the second round of the 2024 NHL playoffs.

Today, Kreider is an Anaheim Duck, moved in a salary dump trade that would have been almost incomprehensible if you told yourself that a year ago.

Six weeks ago I wrote up the eulogy of this sorry excuse for a season. The article was titled "The Cost of Losing." This is the Chris Kreider trade boiled down to the nuts and bolts: There is a cost of losing, and eventually that bill comes due.

I will not sit here and argue with those of you who do not believe Kreider was an exceptional Ranger, one who did the crest and the jersey proud, one who should be in the discussion (I'm not sure if I'm there on it being a reality, but it should be talked about) of having his number retired to the rafters of MSG. An incredible leader, a true 16-game player, a home grown talent the likes this organization simply has not produced at forward—Kreider was everything you wanted in a New York Ranger and more.