Rangers made the right call on Kreider – but the loss was underestimated – Hockey Writers – New York Rangers

Chris Kreider was a key piece of the New York Rangers Organization from the moment he was signed – but after last season, it was time to move on.

Related: Rangers call up Gabe Perreault to deal with seemingly inevitable hitting problems

It was the right decision to go to the Hierarchy to sell him to the Anaheim Ducks and Sula cang cap space to improve the program in 2025-26 – but maybe some may have underestimated the space.

Why Kerider’s loss hurt

Prior to the end, Kereider was a key contributor to the Rangers’ success. The presence of the 2009 first pick made him one of the best presences in the league and a lethal weapon on the power play. Add that to the 6 6 Foot-Foot-Foot-3, pound-for-pound frame with elite speed. He was someone who had a night for the opposition to defend.

Although Kreider struggled last season, with just 30 points in 68 games, injuries likely weighed on his performance. And that may be true. So far, in nine games with the Ducks, Kreder has posted 10 points.

Add that to the fact that the Rangers haven’t had an effective return in the program. The hope was that a top prospect like Brennan Othmann or Gabe Perreault would be able to step up and mitigate Kreder’s loss, but that hasn’t happened at this point. Did Cuylle, who plays a big game with his 6-wood frame, 32, always wanted to excel and is not asking to return what Kreder did. They bring different skill sets to the table. Of course, both players are willing to charge in front of the net – but Keredier was rarely what he offered with his moves. You can’t replace what he does – but maybe you can get an extra person or produce on the scoresheet. But again, that hasn’t happened yet.

It was the only way to improve the defense

For years now, weakness has been the defensive unit. After missing the playoffs in 2024-25, President and general manager Chris Drury was paid with no other choice but to plan and improve. The only way to do that was to clear cap space, which the Rangers found by deciding to deal Kreredier and K’Andre Miller for draft compensation prospects. The vendors allowed the organization to pay Vladislav Gavrikov in free agency for an average of $7 million, according to PuckDedepia.

Rangers, who are allowing the fourth-highest chance in 2024-25, are required to make changes. Sure, the power play and scoring have suffered early, but the interior ‘looks solid’. In all cases, the Rangers have grown fourth in all expected percentages (54.06 percent) and have provided several high-quality chances, according to the natural stat strategy. It’s quite a dynamic thing, and a mediocre 7-7-2 record doesn’t reflect its performance. When Gavrikov is paired with fox, the Rangers command the XGF value by 59.45 percent.

So, losing Kreider is painful, and the loss was not questioned. However, it was the right move to deal with a flawed defense, which seems to be the team’s strength. The problem is that the attackers have advanced in one area and been relegated to another.

Cuylle and Connor Sheard are good players who generate pressure in the offensive zone, but they are also overlooked for creeners or goals. That’s one problem; Another is that other star players, including Mika Zibanejad and Alexis Lablerenière, were unable to capitalize on the chances they got. As a team, the Rangers shot just 6.88 percent, dead last in the league. Those numbers will improve at least a little bit, as there is too much talent on the roster to keep up. However, the Rangers must look for solutions. One of them might be Perreeult, who had just received a call. The 2023 first-round pick posted 10 points in nine games with the Hartford Wolf Pack this season.

In the short term, the Rangers, led by head coach Mike Sullivan, will have to deal in the short term with what has failed us in the system. Right now, the Rangers are playing .500 Hockey, which is far from bad but still tough. The team needs to find ways to win and get themselves in a position to play between now and the trade deadline so they can become buyers and be able to solve their pitching problems.