Chris Kreider's injury struggles defined the New York Rangers' season, and the team's questionable decisions regarding his playing time have sparked significant debate. Despite acknowledging a series of overlapping injuries, including a troublesome back, a hand injury, and vertigo, Kreider continued to play, driven by pride and the team's precarious playoff positioning. His performance suffered as a result, raising concerns about the Rangers' failure to prioritize player health, particularly during a lackluster season.

Many feel the Rangers should have intervened earlier to preserve Kreider's long-term health rather than letting him play through pain in meaningless games. His recent comments indicate a strong desire to remain with the organization, but the question remains whether the Rangers will take the necessary steps to ensure both his and the team's future success.