Chris Kreider's recent placement on injured reserve has left the New York Rangers grappling with significant roster changes as their injuries mount. The team announced on Tuesday afternoon the 33-year-old forward, who was already struggling this season, has been sidelined with an upper-body injury, retroactive to Sunday.
Kreider missed the Rangers’ 6-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday, marking his fifth missed game this season—notably his fourth due to various injuries. With only 13 goals and 15 points recorded over the first portion of the season, Kreider's absence is felt at the worst possible time, as the Rangers try to maintain momentum amid their season struggles. According to sources close to the team, Kreider had previously been on the trade memo circulated by general manager Chris Drury back in November during the team's downturn.
His element of play, particularly his connection with center Mika Zibanejad, has been disrupted significantly. Once regarded as the core of the Rangers' first line, their chemistry has been diluted this season, with coach Peter Laviolette frequently shifting their positions to revive consistency. Kreider’s rocky performance this year contrasts sharply with his 75 points from last season, which marked the second-highest total of his career. During the last two years, he played all games, clearly underlining how unforeseen injuries can be burdensome.
The repercussions of Kreider's injury extend beyond his absence; they also affect the Rangers' lines, compelling adjustments, such as moving Jonny Brodzinski to skate alongside Zibanejad and Reilly Smith. To fill Kreider’s role, especially on power plays, the Rangers have also called up Matt Rempe from AHL Hartford. This call-up follows Rempe’s suspension for boarding and elbowing Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen on December 20, and he is expected to be eligible for the Thursday matchup against the New Jersey Devils.
Meanwhile, another player has entered the fray. Arthur Kaliyev was claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings, marking the Rangers' quest for younger talent on the roster. With Kaliyev’s potential scoring upside but inconsistency, the strategic depth of the Rangers’ roster is now broadened. Nevertheless, this acquisition means Rempe's return may have to be delayed, pushing him back to Hartford during his final suspension game. The situation appears to keep established talent on the ice as the Rangers prepare for the approaching Devils matchup, and whether Rempe will play remains uncertain.
All these changes come alongside the recent health status of the Rangers’ goaltender Igor Shesterkin, also placed on injured reserve due to his upper-body injury but seen participating during the morning skate. His potential return is touted to be on the horizon, especially as he is eligible to return for the next game, bringing hope for the Rangers moving forward. Coach Laviolette expressed optimism about Shesterkin's participation, stating, "It’s great to see him out on the ice." Shesterkin's return could bolster the Rangers' defense and goalkeeping as they navigate these troubling waters.
Looking forward, the Rangers must now rally without Kreider for at least seven days, as required for players on injured reserve. This timeline coincides with three upcoming games, including significant home confrontations against Dallas and their traditional rival, New Jersey Devils. Each game carries weight, especially as the Rangers seek to reclaim their early-season form. The looming matchup against the Devils is expected to be particularly intense, as both teams vie for supremacy in the Hudson River Rivalry.
How the Rangers navigate these injuries and roster changes will be pivotal as they aim not only to perform well but to keep their season alive. With Kreider likely out for the next few matchups, the Rangers will have to exhibit both resilience and tactical adaptability moving forward, showing how they can manage injuries within their squad.