Chris Kreider delivers an emotional message to New York Rangers fans moments ahead of his return to MSG
Photo credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images
Chris Kreider, Madison Square Garden, and the New York Rangers felt inseparable for more than a decade, which made Monday night different.
For the first time since being traded to the Anaheim Ducks this offseason, Kreider will return to MSG wearing opposing colors. After 13 seasons with the Rangers, the former longest tenure player will return.
Kreider didn't shy away from that emotion. Speaking ahead of the game, he focused less on the building and more on the people who filled it. He described MSG as iconic, but emphasized that the fans were always what gave it meaning.
"I think it's hard to express my appreciation for the support we had over all those years, over all those runs. I mean, it's an amazing building, right? It's the most famous building in the world. But it's a building. so it's the fans that make it a special place... it's hard to put into words my gratitude and appreciation for the support and the passion over all those years.''
Drafted 19th overall in 2009, Kreider became a pillar in New York. He scored 326 goals as a Ranger, owns the franchise playoff goals record, and delivered one of the most memorable seasons in team history with 52 goals in 2021-22.
His trade to Anaheim marked the end of an era. For many fans, Kreider wasn't just a scorer, he was continuity through coaching changes, roster turnover, and shifting expectations.
Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba return to MSG together
Kreider's words reflected understanding. He spoke about appreciation, support, and the connection built over years of playoff runs and regular-season battles. It wasn't scripted. It sounded genuine.
However, thankfully for him, he will return alongside the Rangers' former captain Jacob Trouba:
Jacob Trouba on his emotions walking into MSG this morning: «You don't know exactly how you're going to feel. It was pretty good for me. I went downtown back by my apartment last night and walked around. That one got me a little bit. It'll be fun being back here tonight.»
Now with the Ducks, both Kreider and Trouba's focus has shifted, but the bond clearly hasn't broken.
Previously on NY Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 15 | 170 ANSWERS Chris Kreider delivers an emotional message to New York Rangers fans moments ahead of his return to MSG Will you be watching Chris Kreider's return to Madison Square Garden? | ||
| Yes | 137 | 80.6 % |
| No | 18 | 10.6 % |
| Absolutely | 12 | 7.1 % |
| Always | 3 | 1.8 % |
| List of polls | ||