3 players entering their final month with the Rangers
It’s that time of year once more: The National Hockey League has officially entered the homestretch of the 2024-25 season, meaning players who weren’t traded at the deadline now have a brief opportunity to demonstrate their value.
The current season has made it evident that the New York Rangers are not in strong contention for the playoffs and will require another overhaul. Therefore, let’s delve into some speculation about which Rangers may be facing their last month as Blueshirts.
1 – Chris Kreider
This is tough to write. Kreider has risen through the ranks to reach the NHL. Before embarking on his professional hockey career, he spent three seasons at Boston College, becoming one of the nation’s top collegiate players. As a freshman, he played a crucial role in helping the Eagles secure a National Championship in the 2009-2010 season. Additionally, in his youth career, he contributed to the United States’ victory in the 2010 World Junior Championship, tallying seven points, and participated in the World Junior Championship again in 2011.
Since making his NHL debut on April 16, 2012, Kreider has exclusively worn the Blueshirt. Along the way, he has reached numerous milestones and has often emphasized the importance of representing the franchise with pride.
“[Being a New York Ranger] comes with a responsibility to conduct yourself in a certain way every day. I think of Henrik Lundqvist as the ultimate example of what it means to be a New York Ranger—how to behave both on and off the ice, your professionalism, your approach to winning, and what you demand from yourself and your teammates,” Kreider said. “This organization and city expect competitiveness and a commitment to winning; they want players who will do whatever it takes to achieve that… I’ve only ever known what it’s like to be a New York Ranger.”
Kreider, a native of Massachusetts, is the longest-serving player on New York’s roster. He was selected in the first round of the 2009 NHL Draft and has etched his name in the team’s history. His first NHL goal was the game-winner in Game 6 against Ottawa in April 2012, and he also netted the decisive goal in Game 1 of the second round versus the Washington Capitals. With 323 goals and 252 assists for a total of 575 points, he ranks third on the Rangers’ all-time scoring list.
His 323 goals rank only behind Jean Ratelle and the late Rod Gilbert in the franchise’s history.
Despite everything, numerous fans are calling for Kreider to be replaced by newer talent on the roster, and it’s quite possible he might not be a Ranger next season.
2 – Adam Fox
As Blue Line Station fans discovered during an interview with Rangers supporter Hannah Eng, defenseman Adam Fox is actually a least favorite among many Blueshirt fans.
On the defensive end, he has noticeably regressed and isn’t performing as well in his own zone as he did a few years back. Fox also recently faced an upper-body injury and has been placed on the long-term injured reserve list.
If the front office takes the fans’ opinions into account, Fox might find himself on the chopping block.
3 – Carson Soucy
Additionally, during Hannah Eng’s interview with Rangers fans, it became clear that defenseman Carson Soucy is also considered a least favorite among many.
Some fans have even gone so far as to label him the worst defenseman in the league at the moment. Soucy was traded to the New York Rangers from the Vancouver Canucks in early March in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft (which was previously owned by the San Jose Sharks). The Rangers had obtained that third-round pick earlier the same day as part of the deal for forward Reilly Smith with the Vegas Golden Knights.
This season, Soucy has recorded only four goals and nine assists. He appears slower and less responsive, often fails to finish checks, and comes across as a bit lazy. Furthermore, he doesn’t bring much excitement, lacking flair or skills as a puck mover.
If you ask Blue Line Station, even though he quite literally just became a Blueshirt it is time for him to go.
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