Dec 14, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

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Rangers Scratch Chris Kreider Amid Trade Speculations and Slumping Performance

Kreider's benching raises questions about performance and trade strategy as the Rangers face mounting struggles in the Metropolitan Division.

Dec 14, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The Rangers have declared veteran winger Chris Kreider a healthy scratch for today’s game against the Devils. Aside from a couple of late-season precautionary scratches in 2017 and 2022, this is the first time Kreider will be in the press box while healthy for the Blueshirts since his rookie season in 2013-14.

Kreider’s struggles during the 2024-25 campaign have garnered significant attention. After three consecutive seasons of scoring at least 35 goals, he has managed just 11 goals in 30 games this season, with only one assist for a total of 12 points and a -4 rating, his first negative rating since the 2020-21 season.

He’s averaging 17:26 of ice time per game, his lowest since the 2020-21 season, and has recorded just three points in 11 games. The Rangers were shopping both Kreider and now-former captain Jacob Trouba in trade discussions.

Chris Kreider has 11 goals and 1 assist in 30 games this season. #NYR pic.twitter.com/eyVWdwg3ox
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) December 23, 2024

It’s unclear whether Kreider’s scratch is strictly performance-related or if it’s meant to avoid injury ahead of a potential trade. While no deals are imminent, today marks the Rangers’ final game before the roster freeze lifts on Dec. 28.

Kreider’s difficulties have spotlighted broader issues within the Rangers organization. After starting the season strong at 12-4-1, they’ve since fallen to .500, with just four wins and 12 losses in their last 16 games. A regulation loss to New Jersey, combined with wins from the Blue Jackets and Islanders, could drop the Rangers to last place in the Metropolitan Division—a stunning turn of events for last year’s Presidents’ Trophy winners.

Although Kreider’s performance has been disappointing, his position on the depth chart has seen minimal adjustments. He has remained attached to Mika Zibanejad and Reilly Smith on the team’s second line for most of the season, playing alongside them in 24 of his 30 games.

While Kreider leads the trio in goals scored, he has been the least effective in overall point production. Zibanejad has recorded 21 points in 33 games, which is still significantly below expectations, while Smith has tallied 16 in 32 games. All three have struggled defensively, collectively managing to control only 47.8% of expected goals, according to MoneyPuck.

First-year player Brett Berard is slated to fill Kreider’s usual second-line left-wing role today, as reported by Mollie Walker of the New York Post. Since being recalled last month, Berard hasn’t had much offensive impact, registering two goals and one assist in 11 games with a -5 rating and weak possession metrics.

Kreider is just three seasons removed from leading the league in power-play goals (26) and game-winning goals (11). Between the 2021-22 and 2023-24 seasons, his 127 goals ranked seventh in the NHL, trailing only Auston Matthews, Leon Draisaitl, David Pastrňák, Connor McDavid, Mikko Rantanen, and Kirill Kaprizov.

Over his career, Kreider has amassed 315 goals and 564 points in 845 games—all with the Rangers—since his regular-season debut in 2013. These totals place him third in franchise history for goals and 10th for points.

Imagn Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Chris Kreider

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Anamika Shrivastava

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I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!