Chris Kreider continues to immerse himself in the New York Rangers record books. He hasn't gotten the grand prize yet, but with what he's done in his career, can #20 hang in the Madison Square Garden rafters?
Two years ago there was no possibility of Chris Kreider having his jersey retired by the New York Rangers someday, but after a 52-goal season and a strong playoff run, followed up by another 35+ goal season, is it time to start considering the thought?
I tweeted this out a little over two weeks ago, and the majority of responses it got was that Kreider's jersey will belong up there. With that being said, what justifies the honor of getting a jersey retired? Is it stats? Tenure? Or is it solely based on accomplishments with an organization?
Chris Kreider is in his 11th season with the New York Rangers and in that time he has been to four Eastern Conference Finals. He is now in his ninth postseason and he has also played in a Stanley Cup Final, along with climbing the ranks in all-time franchise statistics.
As far as his regular season accolades go, Kreider is currently fifth in all-time goals with 265, tied for sixth with Brian Leetch in game-winning goals (37), and fifth in power-play goals (92).
Where Kreider has really set himself apart has been the postseason. He is the sole leader in playoff goals with 38, the all-time leader in playoff game-winning goals (11), he also happens to have the most power-play goals (16) and he is third in playoff games played as a skater (102).
Kreider made NHL history after game two of the opening round against the New Jersey Devils, becoming the first player in NHL history with four power-play goals through his first two games in a playoff year.
Since we are only two games into the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, these accolades will continue to come and Kreider will rewrite the New York Rangers history books.
If Kreider were to win the Stanley Cup in New York, I think it would be a guarantee that his number would be raised to the rafters someday, but the question remains. Has he done enough to have this recognition without getting the ring?
Only time will tell, but in my mind, he definitely deserves to be in the conversation. At this point, it is safe to say that Chris Kreider is an all-time great when it comes to players in New York Rangers' history.
To me, if he raises Lord Stanley, this isn't even a question.