The most highly anticipated storyline going into New York Rangers’ breakup day on Monday was the future of Chris Kreider.

From having his name specifically mentioned in trade rumors, to certain injuries, to struggles on the ice, it’s been a long year for Kreider. 

His future in New York seems to be uncertain as there’s a growing sentiment that he’ll be dealt this offseason. 

The 33-year-old addressed that uncertainty while reaffirming his desire to stay in New York. 

“I got to control what I can control for me right now, it's getting healthy and staying healthy through the course of next season showing up in the best possible shape I can for training camp,” Kreider said. 

“This is home for me, This is the organization that gave me the opportunity to live out my dreams. I’ve developed so many incredible relationships, and grown up, and spent so much time in this area, so obviously this is where I want to be.”

In November, Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury sent out a league-wide memo indicating he is interested in making moves to shake up their roster while specifically mentioning Chris Kreider’s name. 

Instead of truly diving into his emotions about hearing his name in trade rumors Kreider underplayed the situation.

“That wasn't the first time and not the last time that stuff comes up,” said Kreider. “I mean, that's part of professional sports unfortunately… Guys come and go unfortunately. It happened a lot over the course of the season for us and there was a lot of roster change. Certain brush points were expected, and obviously it was different.”

Kreider also dealt with several different injuries this season that hindered his game. First, it was the back issue that he already opened up about early on in the year. 

The veteran forward also revealed he went through an illness that resulted in vertigo and then he suffered a left-hand injury shortly after the 4 Nations Face-Off. Surgery might be required for Kreider’s hand.

He missed a number of games and was placed on injured reserve due to that left-hand issue, which took him a while to readjust from.

“It's certainly difficult,” Kreider said about his left hand injury. “I think I got a little bit better dealing with it. Training staff was great. Worked with me and found something that eventually worked to keep it relatively stable, but it was challenging.”

Kreider went from recording 75 points during the 2023-24 campaign to just 30 points this season. 

Now that the season is over, all eyes will be on the Rangers to see what Drury and the management group want to do regarding Kreider.