NHL: New York Rangers at Carolina Hurricanes
NEW YORK (77 WABC) — The biggest trade chip was off the market before Monday’s NHL Trade Deadline even hit.
Just over three hours before the 3 PM deadline, the New York Rangers announced that Chris Kreider signed a contract extension. The new deal will see Kreider remain a member of the organization for the next seven years, Rangers President John Davidson announced at a brief press conference.
The seven-year deal will carry an AAV of $6.5 million, according to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun.
Kreider deal (7 x $6.5M AAV) is front-loaded and has some no-move protection which would rule out Seattle expansion exposure
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) February 24, 2020
The announcement ended weeks of speculation over whether the Ranger forward would be dealt before the deadline. The two sides had been trying to work out a new deal in advance of Monday and reports fluctuated over how close they were to coming to terms.
“Both sides worked hard at this,” Davidson said at the Rangers’ practice facility in Westchester. “There was lots of dialog. It’s gone on for a few days and both sides are very happy with the deal we’ve been able to put together. … We’re very happy as a Ranger organization as Chris has signed a seven-year extension.”
Kreider has 24 goals and 45 points for the Rangers this season. New York is four points back of the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.
