Former Ranger Chris Kreider speaks to the media ahead of MSG return

Former Ranger Chris Kreider speaks to the media ahead of MSG return

What’s it been like for you to to join this organization and that Cooper there? >> Uh made the transition super easy. I mean easier. Uh I mean having Jacob there, having Frank Strowmer uh have familiarity certainly helps. Um the entire the entire group’s been great. So >> have you ever been in that room before? >> No. Chris, describe it walking up the ramp today. What what was this like walking? Did you have to walk up that ramp? Well, it’s kind of a maze back there. So, trying just trying to get my bearings. >> What about when you uh had to be directed to get on the ice? It was a weird experience for you, right? [snorts] >> What What are just the general motions right now? >> Um I don’t know. We’re in a routine, right? Um so, I’m sure at some point later today might hit me, but right now we’re just getting ready to play a hockey game at Madison Square Garden. I’ve done a few times just in a different jersey. Do you more look forward to tonight or look forward to the end of tonight? >> Depends on how the game goes. >> Have you had a chance? You guys have been here for a while. You had a chance to be around to see some former teammates if you saw Ma. Have you guys hung out? >> Yeah, obviously they weren’t here for the beginning of our stay in New York. Um, but no, I was able to pop in and see Mika. Me and Jacob went by and said hi, saw his family. So, uh, but I got a lot of family here, too. So, it’s >> it’s been uh it’s been a busy few days and obviously, you know, it’s not a vacation. We’re here to work. So, I have meetings, practices, some some logistics to New Jersey and back. So, yeah, we’ve been busy. >> Is there a moment that stands out in the 13 years old? >> That’s a hard one. >> I don’t know. >> What What [snorts] will tonight mean to you emotionally the fans and the reception? What do you what do you expect? >> Trying to go in with no expectations and scary to play a hockey game. Um, but it’s a I said it’s a passionate fan base. It’s a place that I’ve spent the majority of my life, so I’m sure it’ll it’ll be emotional for me. To what extent, I don’t know. Um, just trying to to worry about the here and the now. Chris, you uh you did a great interview with Dan and Chris earlier this season, Powers Brothers, and you talked about how you had a conversation with Steve Balette about changing your perspect perspective of scoring goals and taking from the goalies perspective. Just curious if you initiated that conversation with Valley or if that’s something he approached you with or just where that hunger came from to try to adapt your game a little bit more to be able. >> I initiated it. Um I just thought that was leaving a little bit of meat on the bone. Wanted to continue to improve and get better. I think every player does. So yeah, like I said on that that interview was super super useful and something that I you know continue to use on a daily basis. >> Have you had those reflective moments about your time here since been since you moved on and and when if you do what what do you think? I think you know me well enough that now the now the season’s you know in full swing and >> um I don’t think it completely settled in over the offseason didn’t feel real until got got on the plane to go to California and then it was kind of all about getting my bearings there right and um trying to gear myself to a new group and get to know everyone get to know the whole setup so uh haven’t really had time >> some injuries uh stopped last season I mean are you are you feeling healthy this year is it good to you know, >> it’s good to be healthy. [laughter] >> Chris, is is there a part of you that wishes it could have worked out here or at the time did you feel like this could be good for you in your career? >> Yeah. Not trying not to live in the past, like I said, living in the moment. Um it’s I think I’ve said this a couple times. Uh it’s arrogant to think that you know what something is in that given moment, right? So, uh you don’t necessarily know if it’s going to be a good thing or a bad thing. So, just take everything in stride. And um I mean playing in the National Hockey League, doesn’t matter where you’re playing, is a tremendous tremendous honor. Um obviously playing here is is is incredibly special. Um [snorts] but you know, the Anaheim experience has been fantastic. Um you know, it’s just kind of been positive on all fronts. So um a lot of gratitude. Just feel very lucky. >> Chris, the fans are going to have their opportunity to thank you for 13 years tonight. What would you say to them? I think it’s hard to express my appreciation for for the support we had over all those years, over all those runs. Um, I mean, it’s it’s an amazing building, right? It’s the most famous building world, but it’s it’s a building. It’s the the fans that make it a special place. Um, just being out there this morning, uh, pregame skating on that ice, it’s it’s cool, but it’s an energy building. So, it’s at the end of the day, it’s it’s the fans that make it what it is. And, um, I don’t know. It’s hard to put into words my gratitude and appreciation for for the support and the passion over all those years. >> Will you watch one more question? >> I’m assuming they’ll do a video. Will you watch it? How >> I don’t know how the I don’t know how the angle is from that bench. It’s It looks the same. [laughter] >> Will you watch? >> Uh, can I probably What else I’m going to do? You stare at my shoes. [laughter] >> I don’t know. I’ll let you know after it happens.

Former longtime Ranger Chris Kreider speaks to the media ahead of his return to Madison Square Garden as the Rangers take on the Ducks.

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