Rangers sign Chris Kreider to 7-year extension

The New York Rangers are foregoing a potential trade for forward Chris Kreider and have reportedly signed the pending unrestricted free agent to a seven-year extension.

Kreider had the potential to haul the biggest return on the day of the deadline, but the Rangers decided to re-sign the 28-year-old instead.

This new deal will reportedly hold a $6.5-million AAV through the seven years, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. Kriedman becomes New York’s fourth-highest cap hit, second to Hart Trophy candidate Artemi Panarin, among forwards.

The Rangers have clearly taken into account their recent success - winning seven of their last eight games — and view their time to be a real contender in the postseason, more in the near future than they once expected.

Instead of getting any number of future assets for Kreider as a rental, they have locked him up and are keeping him around for the time being.

Through 60 games this season, Kreider notched 24 goals and 45 points.

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