Chris Kreider's recent return to Madison Square Garden as a member of the Anaheim Ducks has reignited the debate: Should the New York Rangers retire his #20? After 13 seasons with the Rangers, Kreider was traded to Anaheim this past offseason, marking the end of an era. The emotional return on December 15, 2025, was a reminder of his contributions to the team and the impact he had on fans.
Drafted 19th overall in 2009, Kreider is considered one of the best players the Rangers have drafted and developed in the last quarter-century, standing alongside Henrik Lundqvist. After developing at Boston College, he joined the Rangers during the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs and quickly became a key player. While some felt he wouldn't reach his full potential, the Rangers molded him into a consistent 30-goal scorer, even achieving a remarkable 52-goal season.
Kreider's statistics place him among the Rangers' all-time greats. He ranks eighth in games played (883), third in goals scored (326), and is tied for first in power-play goals (116). He also holds prominent positions in even-strength goals (fourth with 197) and short-handed goals (fourth with 13). Of the three Rangers to surpass 300 goals, Kreider trails only Rod Gilbert (406) and Jean Ratelle (336). From 2021-22 through 2023-24, Kreider scored 127 goals, the most by any Rangers player over a three-season span after turning 30.
Throughout his career, Kreider exemplified what it meant to be a Ranger, becoming a fan favorite and a media figure. While he didn't win a Stanley Cup with the team, he reached the Conference Finals four times and the Stanley Cup Final once, consistently contributing during those runs. One memorable moment includes his hat trick in Game 6 of a recent Eastern Conference Final, securing the series victory.
The Rangers do not have strict rules for retiring numbers. Some teams require a championship or Hall of Fame induction, but the Rangers' criteria seem more flexible. While some argue that a Stanley Cup is necessary for jersey retirement, the difficulty of winning the Cup shouldn't be the sole determining factor.
The decision to trade Kreider to the Ducks was difficult, especially after he signed a seven-year extension in 2021 with the expectation that he would remain a Ranger for life. Despite a less productive final season in New York, Kreider has found renewed success in Anaheim, playing a key role on their top line.
Ultimately, the question remains: Does Chris Kreider's contributions warrant his number being raised to the rafters of Madison Square Garden? While opinions may vary, his statistics, playoff performances, and overall impact on the New York Rangers organization make a strong case for retiring his #20.
