Chris Kreider

Christopher James Kreider (born April 30, 1991) is an American professional ice hockey winger and alternate captain of the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL). He previously played college ice hockey at Boston College and was drafted in the first round, 19th overall, by the Rangers in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. He currently plays for the New York Rangers. He holds the NHL record for most Stanley Cup playoff goals before playing his first NHL regular season game, with five.

Chris Kreider
Kreider with the New York Rangers in 2014
Born	April 30, 1991 Boxford, Massachusetts, U.S.
Height	6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Weight	226 lb (103 kg; 16 st 2 lb)
Position	Left Wing
Shoots	Left
NHL team	New York Rangers
National team	United States
NHL Draft	19th overall, 2009 New York Rangers
Playing career	2012–present

Playing career

Amateur

Kreider played for Masconomet Regional High School, and later Phillips Academy, a preparatory school in Andover, Massachusetts. Kreider scored a goal in the 2010 NCAA title game in which Boston College defeated the University of Wisconsin to win the national title; he was also named to the 2010 Hockey East All-Rookie Team.[1][2]

Kreider was named Most Valuable Player of the 2011 Beanpot Tournament, as Boston College won the tournament for the second-straight time.[3][4] He was also selected to the senior United States to compete in the 2011 IIHF World Championship in Slovakia.[5]

In the 2011–12 season Kreider won a second NCAA title with Boston College, where he led the team in scoring with 23 goals and 45 points in 44 games.[6][7][8] His 23 goals were second overall in the Hockey East conference and tied for eighth in the NCAA; his 45 points were fifth in Hockey East and tied for 19th in the NCAA.[9][10] Kreider was also tied for the Hockey East lead in game-winning goals (5), short handed goals (3) and short-handed points (5). He also finished in the top ten in Hockey East with seven power play goals and 17 power play points.[9]

Professional

Kreider playing against the Washington Capitals prior to leaving the game for medical reasons, December 27, 2017

On April 10, 2012, Kreider signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Rangers.[11][12][13] He joined New York the following day for practice, and was declared eligible to participate in the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs.[14][15] He made his NHL debut a few days later in a Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarter-finals on April 16, 2012.[16] He scored his first career NHL goal in Game 6 of that series on April 23 with an assist from former World Junior Championship teammate Derek Stepan, which proved to be the game-winner.[17][18]

Kreider's second NHL goal was also a playoff game-winning goal, this time coming against the Washington Capitals on in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semi-finals on April 28, making him the first player in NHL history whose first two goals were playoff game-winners.[19][20] He ended the 2012 playoffs with five goals, an NHL record for most playoff goals before playing his first regular season game.[21] The prior record of four such goals was held by Eddie Mazur, and the prior record of three goals in a single post-season prior to playing a regular season game was held by George McPhee and Ray Cote.[22] Kreider scored his first career hat-trick on November 30, 2013, against the Vancouver Canucks in a 5–2 Rangers victory.[23]

On May 17, 2014, in game one of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Montreal Canadiens, Kreider crashed the net of Canadiens goaltender Carey Price, resulting in Price sustaining a sprained knee. Price would miss the remainder the round of the playoffs. The Rangers would go on to claim a 4-2 series victory.[24][25]

On July 23, 2014, Kreider and the Rangers agreed to a two-year, $4.95 million contract extension.[26]

On October 28, 2014, in a game against the Minnesota Wild, Kreider received a major penalty and a game misconduct for dangerously checking Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin from behind into the boards. Despite an injury to Brodin, Kreider was not suspended for the hit.[27]

On July 22, 2016, Kreider signed a four-year, $18.5 million contract extension with the Rangers, avoiding arbitration.[28] Kreider would then have a solid 2016-17 season, setting new career highs in both goals (28) and points (53).

During a game against the Washington Capitals on December 27, 2017, Kreider left the game for an undisclosed reason. It was later revealed that Kreider had a blood clot in his right arm, and would be out indefinitely.[29] On January 8, 2018, it was announced that Kreider would undergo rib resection surgery, and would be out of the lineup for about 5–7 weeks.[30] Kreider played his first game back on February 24, 2018 against the Minnesota Wild after missing 24 games.[31]

On February 24, 2020, Kreider signed a seven-year, $45.5 million contract extension with the Rangers.[32][33]

On February 1, 2021, Kreider scored his 161st NHL career goal during a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, passing fellow Ranger Cecil Dillon on the all-time franchise list. He became the second American-born Rangers player to score the most goals after Brian Leetch.[34]

International play

Medal record
Representing USA
Ice hockey
World Championships
	2018 Denmark
World Junior Championships
	2010 Saskatchewan
	2011 Buffalo

Kreider scored six goals for the gold medal-winning United States World Junior Championship team in 2010.[35][36][37] He was chosen to represent the United States once again at the 2011 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, and led the team with four goals in six games as Team USA won the bronze medal.[38][39] Two of his goals were scored in the bronze medal game, and he was named the USA's best player for that game.[40][41][42] Kreider's ten goals in World Junior Championship play tied him with John LeClair and Mike Modano for third all-time among American players, behind just Jeremy Roenick's 13 and Brian Gionta's 11.[42]

In 2018, Kreider, along with teammate Neal Pionk, were the only Rangers players selected to represent the United States at the 2018 IIHF World Championship.[43] He posted 10 points through 10 games, helping the United States claim the Bronze Medal in Denmark.

On April 19, 2019, Kreider was selected to represent Team USA at the 2019 IIHF World Championship, held in Bratislava and Kosice, Slovakia.[44]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

				Regular season						Playoffs
Season	Team	League		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2005–06	Masconomet Regional High School	HS-MA		19	5	10	15			—	—	—	—	—
2006–07	Masconomet Regional High School	HS-MA		20	28	13	41			—	—	—	—	—
2007–08	Phillips Academy	HS-Prep		24	26	15	41			—	—	—	—	—
2008–09	Phillips Academy	HS-Prep		26	33	23	56	10		—	—	—	—	—
2008–09	Valley Jr. Warriors	EJHL		5	4	2	6			—	—	—	—	—
2009–10	Boston College	HE		38	15	8	23	26		—	—	—	—	—
2010–11	Boston College	HE		32	11	13	24	37		—	—	—	—	—
2011–12	Boston College	HE		44	23	22	45	66		—	—	—	—	—
2011–12	New York Rangers	NHL		—	—	—	—	—		18	5	2	7	6
2012–13	Connecticut Whale	AHL		48	12	11	23	73		—	—	—	—	—
2012–13	New York Rangers	NHL		23	2	1	3	6		8	1	1	2	0
2013–14	Hartford Wolf Pack	AHL		6	2	2	4	16		—	—	—	—	—
2013–14	New York Rangers	NHL		66	17	20	37	72		15	5	8	13	14
2014–15	New York Rangers	NHL		80	21	25	46	88		19	7	2	9	14
2015–16	New York Rangers	NHL		79	21	22	43	58		5	2	0	2	6
2016–17	New York Rangers	NHL		75	28	25	53	58		12	3	1	4	18
2017–18	New York Rangers	NHL		58	16	21	37	44		—	—	—	—	—
2018–19	New York Rangers	NHL		79	28	24	52	57		—	—	—	—	—
2019–20	New York Rangers	NHL		63	24	21	45	58		3	1	1	2	6
NHL totals				523	157	159	316	441		80	24	15	39	64

International

Year	Team	Event	Result		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2010	United States	WJC			7	6	1	7	2
2010	United States	WC	13th		6	1	1	2	0
2011	United States	WJC			6	4	2	6	0
2011	United States	WC	8th		7	2	1	3	6
2018	United States	WC			10	4	6	10	2
2019	United States	WC	7th		8	3	1	4	2
Junior totals					13	10	3	13	2
Senior totals					31	10	9	19	10

Awards and honors

Award	Year
NHL
All-Star Game	2020
College
All-Hockey East Rookie Team	2009–10
All-Hockey East Second Team	2011–12

References

1. "Wisconsin falls to Boston College in NCAA title game, 5-0". Retrieved 2010-04-13.
2. "HOCKEY EAST ANNOUNCES 2010 ALL-ROOKIE TEAM". Retrieved 2010-04-13.
3. "Kreider's future gets even brighter". newyorkrangers.com. February 18, 2011. Retrieved 2011-02-24.
4. "Beanpot Tournament Awards". beanpothockey.com. Retrieved 2011-02-24.
5. "FIVE PLAYERS WITH HOCKEY EAST TIES NAMED TO 2011 U.S. MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM". Hockey East Association. Retrieved May 4, 2011.
6. Boyd, J. (April 7, 2012). "Boxford's Kreider helps Boston College win national college hockey". Tri-Town Transcript. Retrieved 2012-04-07.
7. "2011–12 Scoring for Boston College (H-East)". The Internet Hockey Database. Retrieved 2012-04-09.
8. "Boston College 2011–2012 Team Statistics". Hockey East. Archived from the original on 2012-04-13. Retrieved 2012-04-10.
9. "2011–2012 Hockey East Overall Category Leaders". Hockey East. Retrieved 2012-04-10.
10. "2011–2012 NCAA Statistics - Scoring Leaders". College Hockey News. Retrieved 2012-04-10.
11. Gentille, S. (April 10, 2012). "Chris Kreider, Rangers agree; Top prospect will practice Wednesday". The Sporting News. Retrieved 2012-04-10.
12. Zipay, S. (April 10, 2012). "Rangers sign Chris Kreider". Newsday. Retrieved 2012-04-10.
13. "Rangers, Kreider agree to contract terms". New York Rangers. April 10, 2012. Retrieved 2012-04-10.
14. Lozo, D. (April 11, 2012). "Kreider joins Rangers, will have to earn ice time". NHL.com. Retrieved 2012-04-11.
15. Leonard, P. (April 11, 2012). "Chris Kreider says NY Rangers were 'pretty adamant about getting started,' newly signed left wing wears No. 20 in practice". The Daily News. Retrieved 2012-04-11.
16. "Rangers' Lundqvist makes 39 saves in 1–0 win". Yahoo!. April 16, 2012. Retrieved 2012-04-16.
17. "Rangers force Game 7 with 3–2 win vs Senators. Kreider would then score the second goal of the second round for the Rangers to make it two to one in that game". Yahoo!. April 23, 2012. Retrieved 2012-04-24.
18. Cyrgalis, B. (April 24, 2012). "Rangers rookie Kreider scores in Game 6". New York Post. Retrieved 2012-04-24.
19. Rosen, D. (April 28, 2012). "Rookie Chris Kreider making it look easy". nhl.com. Retrieved 2012-04-28.
20. NHL on the Fly (television). NHL Network. April 28, 2012.
21. "Chris Kreider's playoff run now record setting as Rangers rookie scores again". The Star Ledger. May 20, 2012. Retrieved 2012-05-29.
22. Klein, J.Z. (May 16, 2012). "With Three Postseason Goals, Rangers' Kreider Ties Obscure Record". The New York Times. Retrieved 2012-05-17.
23. "KREIDER NETS THREE, RANGERS TOP CANUCKS IN TORTORELLA'S RETURN". TSN.ca. 30 November 2013. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
24. "2014 NHL Stanley Cup Eastern Conference Finals: MTL vs. NYR | Hockey-Reference.com". Hockey-Reference.com. Retrieved 2018-10-18.
25. "Montreal Canadiens' goalie Carey Price out of Eastern Final with injury | The Star". thestar.com. Retrieved 2018-10-18.
26. "Kreider, Rangers agree to two-year contract". NHL.com. Retrieved July 23, 2014.
27. Gentille, Sean (October 28, 2014). "Why wasn't Chris Kreider suspended?". sportingnews.com. Retrieved May 26, 2018.
28. "Rangers Agree to Terms With Chris Kreider". NHL.com. July 22, 2016. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
29. "Kreider out indefinitely for Rangers with blood clot in right arm". NHL.com. December 28, 2017. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
30. Ripple, Zachary (January 9, 2018). "Rangers forward Chris Kreider undergoes successful rib surgery, will be reevaluated in six weeks". nydailynews.ca. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
31. Calamia, Matt (February 24, 2018). "Kreider Returns to Rangers Lineup After Blood Clot". NHL.com. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
32. Obernauer, Michael (February 24, 2020). "Blueshirts' Big Acquisition: Chris Kreider". NHL.com. Retrieved February 26, 2020.
33. Wyshynski, Greg (February 24, 2020). "Rangers lock up Chris Kreider with 7-year extension". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 26, 2020.
34. https://empiresportsmedia.com/new-york-rangers/the-new-york-rangers-overcome-a-turbulent-weekend-to-defeat-the-pens/
35. "The Kreider Watch". Retrieved 2010-04-13.
36. "Goalscoring Leaders" (PDF). iihf.com. Retrieved 2010-12-28.
37. "2010 WJC Player Statistics by Team: USA" (PDF). iihf.com. Retrieved 2010-12-29.
38. "Kreider, Bourque make final USA cut". nhl.com. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
39. "2011 WJC Player Statistics by Team: USA" (PDF). iihf.com. Retrieved 2010-01-05.
40. "Game Summary SWE 2 USA 4" (PDF). iihf.com. Retrieved 2010-01-05.
41. "2011 Best Players Per Game" (PDF). iihf.com. Retrieved 2010-01-06.
42. "Kreider scores two as USA wins bronze". nhl.com. Retrieved 2011-01-06.
43. "2018 U.S. MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM ROSTER. Kreider would go on to score 4 goals and 6 assists for 10 points including a goal in the bronze medal game helping team USA claim the bronze medal". teamusa.usahockey.com. Retrieved April 29, 2018.
44. "First 17 players named to 2019 U.S. Men's national team". USA Hockey. April 19, 2019. Retrieved April 19, 2019.

External links

• Biographical information and career statistics from NHL.com, or Eliteprospects.com, or Hockey-Reference.com, or The Internet Hockey Database