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New York Rangers Star Facing Major Departure as Signs Point to Mutual Split

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Julien Trekker | Last updated May 11, 2025 9:00 PM ET

A new report shed light on a potential mutual interest between the New York Rangers and Chris Kreider to part ways after a 13-year tenure.

After trading away captain Jacob Trouba and the 2019 2nd overall pick Kaapo Kakko during the 2024-25 season, it seems general manager Chris Drury could be planning to part ways with another important piece of the Rangers' core in the summer.

Indeed, it seems Chris Kreider's time in New York could come to an end.

Kreider, 34, was involved in a lot of trade rumors last summer and at the trade deadline. With two seasons left on his $6,500,000 AAV contract signed in 2020, the forward could hit the trade market and be an interesting target for a team looking to add a talented veteran with leadership to their top six.

In a new report, Phil Kocher stated that there is a sense the mutual feeling between Kreider and the Rangers is that the player could need a fresh start after his 13-year tenure in New York:

'There is a strong sense that the feeling is mutual and that after 13 years with the organization, Kreider recognizes that the relationship has run its course and that he needs a fresh start.'

However, in his exit interview, Kreider stated that he wanted to remain in New York, suggesting he could stay with the Rangers longer:

'This is home for me. This is the organization that gave me an opportunity to live out my dream. I've developed so many incredible relationships and grown up and spent so much time in this area. So, obviously, this is where I want to be and this is the group that I want to help in whatever fashion win hockey games.'

Head coach Mike Sullivan was clear when he shared his vision:

'Talent doesn't win championships. Teams win championships.'

Kreider is an ultimate team player and can still contribute to the team with his leadership.

Sullivan shared his thoughts on the team leaders and stated that he would work with Chris Drury to evaluate the situation in the locker room:

'The one takeaway that I have from those conversations is I think there's a fair amount of leadership in that room. So, whether you wear a letter or you don't wear a letter, leadership manifests itself in so many different ways. I think there's a lot of character in that room, just based on the initial conversations that I've had with these guys. Chris and I will work through some of those challenges.'

If management believes Kreider can still be valuable in New York, he will likely stay, but if things don't work out, Drury could decide to trade him at any time, as we saw last season.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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