When 25-year-old Christopher James Kreider re-signed with the New York Rangers this offseason for four more years, fans were split on the decision. Some were overjoyed that the Boston College graduate was coming back to the Blueshirts while others wanted him to really prove himself, considering he signed for a little over $4 million a year. Well, he is definitely proving himself.
The Rangers forward has 20 goals on the season, just one away from his career high, and is even well ahead of his pace from last year. Kreider did not score his 20th goal of the 2015-16 season until April 4th, and he is surely proving to all of the fans who doubted him that they were wrong, and showing his loyal fans that he was meant to stay in New York City.
In an offseason interview while attending the Rangers Kids Camp in Greenburgh this past summer following the contract signing, Kreider said, “Short term or long term. I always wanted to stay here.” He has been playing on head coach Alain Vigneault’s top line with Derek Stepan and Mats Zuccarello, with that line contributing a combination of 42 goals.
Chris Kreider is a powerhouse in every sense: speed, drives to the nets, putting pucks to the cage, and the occasional fight to stick up for his teammate every now and then. He is showing the naysayers that he was meant to be here and reminding his fans why they support him.
