New York Rangers should shutdown Chris Kreider for rest of the season
Chris Kreider’s playing through an injury in a lost season, which is admirable. However, the New York Rangers need to do the merciful thing and not let him play.
The New York Rangers season is over, at least from a “let’s win games” standpoint. Sure, they still have to play 10 more games, but their success won’t be measured by winning. It will be measured by how certain players grow and by how they do at the draft lottery.
Athletes are, by nature, incredibly competitive people. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Rangers forward Chris Kreider is playing through injury. It’s easy to see why he is. Kreider isn’t paid to sit around. Nor is he paid to sit in the press box. Kreider is paid to play, and that’s precisely what he’s doing.
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While his decision is admirable and says a lot about who he is as a player, the Rangers need to show mercy and take the decision out of his hands. Kreider needs to be shut down for the rest of the season.
Kreider Deserves It
If anyone on the Rangers has earned some rest, it’s Kreider. He’s been arguably their best player and is having one of the best seasons in his NHL career. Kreider is merely four points away from tying his career high of 53 points and two goals away from tying his career high in goals (28).
He’s already overcome a lot in recent years. Kreider is a heck of a warrior, but there’s no reason he should be playing. The Rangers would be smart to thank him for his efforts and tell him to come back healthy and ready to play.
Trade Value
Perhaps the biggest reason why Kreider shouldn’t be playing right now is his trade value. The Rangers weren’t able to move him at the trade deadline. Which is unfortunate because they could have gotten a heck of a haul for him. Even with Kreider’s post-deadline slump (likely injury related), he still has a ton of value.
Should he injure himself further, that would lower his trade value by quite a bit. There’s nothing Kreider could do to increase his value at this point. You know what you’re getting with him – a two-way forward who possesses a unique skill set revolving around his speed, size, and scoring prowess.
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Kreider’s willingness to play through injury isn’t surprising. However, the Rangers need to do the right thing and shut him down. It’s not fair to Kreider to have him play out the rest of what is effectively a meaningless season. Shutting him down makes sense for the Rangers as well.