The Future Leader

As the NHL has been suspended due to the coronavirus we look to the future. Next year is more then likely the year the Rangers will name a captain again. After going without a captain for the past 2 seasons since Ryan McDonagh it has become time. The rebuilding Rangers of the past 2 seasons look to next year as a chance to become the contending Rangers. As the front runners for captaincy we will look into Kreider and Zibanejad’s resumes.

Kreider

A heavy favorite for next Rangers captain after signing back for 7 more years is, Chris Kreider. Kreider has been on broadway for 8 seasons now and is a fan favorite. Over his long time with the Rangers, Kreider has been with them through the good, the bad, and the not so ugly. This is a big case for Kreider as a captain, his veteran presence he brings and the enrgy he brings night in and night out. Without him recently because of his foot fracture the Rangers have looked lost and confused. Kreider is a leader, his play speaks for itself after he has been putting up his best year stats wise. The guys love him and he is there for 7 more years so it would make sense. Very logically choice.

Mika

Ever since he hit broadway 4 years ago he has been a fan favorite just like Kreider. Also like Kreider the players and coaching staff love him. His goals per game ratio right now lead the league and he has been on a complete tear. Mika is 26 years old and looks like the Rangers #1 center for the future. We already know he is a great hockey player and leader, as coach Quinn can basically put anyone on his line and he will still get the job done.

So in your opinion, Who should be the next captain of the New York Rangers?

inKreiderable staying..

Chris Kreider is staying a New York Ranger after all of the hype and rumors being spread about him possibly being on his way out of New York. The 28 year old, 6’3, 226lbs wrecking ball of a winger is staying a long time. Kreider was extended for 7 years with an aav of 6.5 million per season. A long contract for Kreider as he is 28 and hockey usually takes a toll on older players bodies. With Kreider staying someone had to go based on the rangers cap crunch…

Skjei Out…

With the Rangers pushed all the way up against the cap after Kreider’s massive contract someone must go. Eyes turned to an intriguing young but reliable defensemen in Brady Skjei. Skjei is 25 years old and at 6’4, 211lbs brings a good defensive presence with some offensive skill. Brady hasn’t played his best hockey this year and with Marc Staal being on a terrible contract and the rise of Adam Fox and Tony Deangelo, Skjei was the odd man out. This means the Rangers could look to sign Deangelo back. They should have enough room in cap to bring him back as the NHL has been talking about bumping up the salary cap another 6.5 million which is a massive jump and really helps the Rangers.

Brady Skjei took to social media to thank the Rangers and look forward to his future. Skjei said, “Been a crazy few days. Just wanted to take the time to thank the whole New York Rangers organization for an amazing 5 years. The relationships I made in that time will last forever. New York will always have a special spot in my heart. It was a privilege to put on a rangers sweater every night and play in front of amazing fans at the most famous arena in the world. Thank you everyone from the bottom of my heart! I’m also extremely excited to join the @canes and be apart of this team and organization. Looking forward to my first storm surge!”- Brady Skjei via instagram.

What are your thoughts on Brady being traded? Do you like Kreider’s new contract? Share your thoughts below! #LGR

“I love playing hockey. You dream your whole life of playing professionally and doing it as your occupation and that is what I have the privilege of doing. I’m lucky enough to be here and playing professional hockey so I try to enjoy every second, grow and get better.”

— Chris Kreider.

As a Rangers fan, all you can think right now is where this team will end up in the future. But the real question is, do you see Chris Kreider being apart of that team? Recently Jason Zucker was traded from the Minnesota Wild to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Alex Galchenyuk, Calen Addison, and a first round pick! That is huge considering that sets the standard for Kreider’s value on the block. Kreider is hands down better than Zucker and Zucker pulled in a skilled player of Alex Galchenyuk, a high upside prospect in Addison and a first round pick. Kreider’s skill would push the trade value to maybe a player, prospect, first and a second. Also ever since rumors heated up more and more Kreider has heated up as well. Kreider has amassed 27 points in his last 26 games, dating back to December 8th, 2019. If you were to move Kreider now might be the best time to.

What are your thoughts? Would you keep Kreider on board for the rebuild or ship him off to gain assets for the future?