Rangers Officially Extend Chris Kreider Amid Rampant Trade Rumors
By Jerry Trotta
The New York Rangers have been in talks with star winger Chris Kreider on a potential contract extension for quite some time.
However, when discussions stalled over the weekend, rumors began swirling that the franchise was preparing to offload the 28-year-old before the NHL trade deadline on Monday rather than lose him for nothing in free agency.
Well, Rangers fans can simmer down because an agreement between both sides has been reached. Hours before the deadline, New York announced it has signed Kreider to a seven-year contract extension.
Done deal. #Extended pic.twitter.com/mSLuFz8Ypd
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 24, 2020
Talk about locking up your man. Kreider is now set to play out the remaining years of his prime with the Blueshirts. In all honesty, that's the way it should be.
After being selected No. 19 overall by the organization back in 2009, Kreider quickly established himself as a fan favorite at Madison Square Garden. He played a prominent role of six consecutive postseason berths by the Rangers. During the team's run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2014, the Massachusetts native amassed a whopping 13 points in 15 games.
Chris Kreider is off the trade market ?
— NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) February 24, 2020
The @NYRangers have agreed to a contract extension to keep Kreider in the Big Apple. pic.twitter.com/Fs0BIhtM6t
Kreider's play this season simply warranted for an extension. In 60 games, the left winger has totaled 24 goals and 45 points. At this rate, it would be stunning if he doesn't eclipse career-highs in both statistics.
What a deadline day move by the Rangers.