Ex-Rangers centre issues a warning to Chris Kreider regarding his return to Madison Square Garden
Photo credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Chris Kreider's long-awaited return to Madison Square Garden is finally here, and one of his closest former teammates says he should be ready for a strange night.
The New York Rangers traded Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks during the offseason, ending his 13-season run in New York, and Saturday will mark his first time back on Garden ice since the deal.
Derek Stepan, who shared countless big moments with Kreider, joked that the veteran winger should expect a «goofy» atmosphere. Stepan noted that returning as a visitor never feels normal, especially in a building where you built your reputation and forged friendships that lasted more than a decade.
«It's goofy. Again, it's just heavy,» Stepan explained. «You go into the building, and whatever the emotions were at the time you got traded, whether you were angry or sad or excited to be going out of there, whatever your scenario was, when you come into that building, all you wan to do is win. You're like, 'I don't care what it takes, we've got to get two points, and then I want to get out of this building."
Kreider, drafted 19th overall by the Rangers in 2009, debuted during the 2012-13 season and went on to score 301 goals in 11 playoff and regular-season campaigns combined. His presence as a net-front force, penalty killer, and emotional barometer made him one of the most recognizable faces of the franchise.
Chris Kreider prepares for emotional return to MSG after summer trade
The Ducks arrive to MSG on Monday, having benefitted from Kreider's resurgence. In 26 games, the 34-year-old has posted 13 goals and 8 assists, making the trade look more lopsided each week. Meanwhile, the Rangers still feel the sting of losing a core leader, especially during a season riddled with injuries and inconsistency.
Stepan's comments highlight the emotional complexity of these returns. He explained that you walk into the arena as a visitor, but everything, the hallway, the staff, the fans, reminds you of the battles you fought wearing that sweater. That's exactly the moment Kreider faces this weekend.
Rangers fans are expected to welcome him warmly, even if the Ducks stand in the way of two badly needed points. For Kreider, it will be a night full of nostalgia, gratitude.
Previously on NY Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 11 | 182 ANSWERS Ex-Rangers centre issues a warning to Chris Kreider regarding his return to Madison Square Garden Will Chris Kreider receive a loud ovation in his MSG return? | ||
| yes | 178 | 97.8 % |
| no | 1 | 0.5 % |
| mixed | 3 | 1.6 % |
| unsure | 0 | 0 % |
| List of polls | ||