Rangers, Chris Kreider Agree To Deal; NCAA Star Eligible For Playoffs
NEW YORK (WFAN) -- For the Rangers, the future is now.
Former 2009 first-round pick Chris Kreider has agreed to terms with New York on an entry-level contract, the team announced Tuesday.
Kreider, fresh off his second college hockey championship with Boston College, will be eligible to skate in the postseason. The 20-year-old forward led his team in both goals (23) and points (45) this season.
Tuesday on WFAN, Rangers forward Brian Boyle praised Kreider, saying he would prove to be "a good player in the league." But he was hesitant to say whether the amateur standout would make a difference -- or even have a chance to play -- in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
"I guess everybody's different. It's happened before, I think that's why people can speculate that it might," Boyle told Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton. "As demanding as our coaches are and what they expect on both ends of the rink -- (and to) know the system -- it might be difficult."
Kreider will wear No. 20, the team tweeted. He was on the ice for practice Wednesday morning.
The top-seeded Blueshirts will begin their quest for the NHL title Thursday against the pesky Ottawa Senators.
"It couldn't hurt to bring him along and kind of show him, get him used to the team," said Boyle.
Rangers fans, do you think Kreider is playoff-ready? Sound off below!
