The New York Rangers have finally seemed to have found that spark and the team are just five points out of a playoff spot. Although this is all great news, there’s always some downside to it.
Chris Kreider fractured his foot during the game against the Philadelphia Flyers on February 28.
The Rangers forward fractured his foot while blocking a shot during the game and was immediately taken to be checked out. The team reported an update yesterday on a possible return time being 4-6 weeks.
This is unfortunate for the team because Kreider was just signed to a seven-year $6.5 million deal.
Kreider has also been hot lately and contributing to the team.
It’s hard to predict when Kreider could return when it is not known how severe this injury is. With a fractured foot, Kreider would have to keep off of it as much as possible. If done as said, the foot should heal within those four to six weeks, but this may take longer than that.
If we look at the Rangers schedule there’s about a month of hockey left. The team has 16 games left to play.
If it takes about four weeks for Kreider to heal, the team should see a return when the Rangers play in Florida against the Panthers. After that, the Rangers have three games left where Kreider could possibly return.
If the Rangers push for a playoff spot, Kreider could return around April 10 through 17.
Different factors play into this. It depends on how Kreider’s foot is being treated and how the Rangers play for the rest of the season. There’s a strong chance Kreider comes back before the season ends, but if the Rangers make the playoffs that could change Kreider’s return.
If the Rangers make the playoffs and Kreider hasn’t returned yet, the coaches might make the decision to have Kreider rest before the playoffs.
As of now, General Manager Jeff Gorton stated the return time is 4-6 weeks. It is definitely a loss for the team, but the Blueshirts have proven to overcome any obstacles.
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