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New York Rangers need another big season from Chris Kreider in 2022-23

Originally posted on Forever Blueshirts
By Anthony Scultore | Last updated 8/24/22

Chris Kreider had a career year in 2021-2022 for the New York Rangers. He finally reached the goal-scoring potential so many believed he had after storming on to the scene as a 20 year-old in the 2011-12 playoffs.

The 10-year Rangers veteran recorded 52 goals (tied with Adam Graves second all-time) and 25 assists for 77 points in 81 games. Kreider also broke the team’s single-season record for most power play goals (26) and game-winning goals (11).

His play on the ice and his role off of it earned him even more accolades.

Krieder became the first ever recipient of The Rod Gilbert “Mr. Ranger” Award, which recognizes the Rangers player “who best honors Rod’s legacy by exemplifying leadership qualities both on and off the ice, and making a significant humanitarian contribution to his community.”

He was also named the winner of the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award, which is presented to the Rangers player as selected by the fans that “goes above and beyond the call of duty.”

You can also add being nominated for the Bill Masterton Trophy and King Clancy Award as the icing on the cake.

However, that’s officially the past and the Blueshirts will need a repeat performance from CK20 to take the next step.

Chris Kreider needs another big season

Kreider, 31, will be counted upon even more this year to deliver big goals with young players assuming more responsibility in the top six. The good news is that there’s plenty of optimistic signs that says he can.

The Rangers were forced to part ways with all their trade deadline acquisitions due to cap concerns. Regarding the first line, Frank Vatrano is now with the Anaheim Ducks along with Ryan Strome. While the latter may have more of an impact concerning the power play, the loss of Vatrano may not be that bad.

Last season, Kreider played with a host of other wingers before Vatrano cemented a spot on the first line in late March. They played 200 minutes together and had a GoalsFor of 61%, the highest of any of the wingers Kreider played with.

However, there’s a lot of offseason talk that Alexis Lafrenière will be making the switch to right wing to play on that line. If that’s the case, based on last year’s numbers it looks like it will work. Playing the second most minutes among forwards with Lafrenière (274), their GoalsFor was 53.8%. Kreider also posted his second highest ExpectedGoals totals with the 2020 first-overall pick at 12.28.

In the end, the main reason that Kreider should be able to have another strong offensive season is his center. Mika Zibanejad’s great chemistry with Kreider off the ice has translated just as beautifully on it.

The duo played 968 minutes at even strength and posted great numbers together. Usually facing other teams’ top lines, they hold their own with a CorsiFor of 50.15% and an excellent GoalsFor% of 57.14. Kreider with Zibanejad also posted a 40.83 ExpectedGoals.

Kreider scoring 50 goals again may be too much to ask this upcoming season. It’s certainly possible if Lafrenière comes into his own. Still, a 40 goal season from the big winger should be doable with Zibanejad as his main set up man.

Chris Kreider With	TOI With	CF% With	GF% With	xGF
Mika Zibanejad	968.85	50.15	57.14	40.83
Alexis Lafrenière	274.48	49.9	53.85	12.28
Kaapo Kakko	266.17	51.77	60	11.55
Frank Vatrano	200.87	56.27	61.11	8.97
Barclay Goodrow	123.75	44.05	57.14	5.48
Artemi Panarin	63.07	52.94	33.33	3.06
Ryan Strome	38.32	53.85	50	1.7
Sammy Blais	36.15	43.86	50	1.02
Dryden Hunt	36.10	52.38	33.33	0.92
Julien Gauthier	31.55	52.83	0	1.02
Ryan Reaves	28.45	26.67	50	0.51
Filip Chytil	24.53	70.45	0	1.53
Kevin Rooney	17.40	30.56	0	0.16
Andrew Copp	16.47	50	50	0.76
Greg McKegg	11.12	20	–	0.07
Jonny Brodzinski	8.48	35.29	–	0.22
Tyler Motte	3.08	60	50	0.3