New York Rangers' Fans Should Not Feel Sorry For Chris Kreider

Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Last night when the New York Rangers announced that captain Ryan Callahan would miss the next 3-4 weeks with a broken thumb, many fans assumed that Chris Kreider would be the call up to replace Callahan for the time being.

I for one did not think the Rangers would do this since the next time the Rangers’ organization wants Kreider up in the NHL, they want him to be ready and up there permanently.

I don’t know about you, but I have not even heard an update on Kreider since the season began so how is he now NHL ready?

And before you jump down my throat, this is a different situation than with J.T. Miller. Unlike Kreider, Miller shows a strong work ethic, doesn’t hesitate, and always hustles. Plus this is now the second head coach, first John Tortorella and now Alain Vigneault, who have seen the flaws in Kreider’s game and want him to fine tune them before returning to the NHL.

So far in four games in the AHL this season, Kreider has two goals and an assist. Not bad but also not great if you are NHL ready in my honest opinion.

If Kreider wants to make this team then he has to do that on his own account and not because of an injury. And I think Vigneault and GM Glen Sather know that. I mean if Kreider wants to be given a fair shot then he has to earn that right. What he did in the playoffs two years ago does not entitle him to be in the Rangers’ starting lineup in 2013-14.

All in all, it is up to Kreider, and only Kreider, whether he should be on the Rangers or not.

Steven Carollo is a New York Rangers’ and sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, add him on Facebook, connect with him on LinkedIn and join his Google network.

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