Despite repeated attempts by the New York Rangers to
convince him to sign this summer, Chris Kreider was determined to go back to
Boston College for his Junior season.
The combination of continuing his education being better prepared to be
an impact player once he turned pro were said to be the keys to Kreider’s
decision to return. After two games, all
side should be thrilled with Kreider’s decision as he is showing the domination
of college opposition that he never really found last season.
Kreider was dominant in both games of the North Dakota Ice
Breaker Invitational this weekend scoring two goals, one game winner, and
adding an assist en route to winning the Most Valuable Player honors as Boston
College claimed the trophy. This weekend
was more of what was expected of Kreider last season, but he never found his
groove only tallying 11 goals and 13 assists in 32 games.
There has never been a question concerning Kreider’s
physical skills as his skating would be amongst the best in the NHL right
now. The questions have revolved around
consistency of production and understanding of the game, but he is certainly
looking to quell those doubters in the early season. With the departures that Boston College had
to end last season Kreider had every opportunity to be one of their go-to
players this season and he certainly seems up to the task early on.
Some might look at Kreider’s performance in this tournament
and question why he didn’t come out of college as he could be doing this for
the Rangers or at the very least in Hartford for the Connecticut Whale. It is intriguing to think about what he could be doing, especially with the team's offensive struggles in Sweden and glaring need for a top six left wing. However, I will disagree with those question the decision to go back and give the credit
to Kreider for knowing he had more work to do in being an impact player at the
collegiate level first before he could reach his potential in the professional
ranks. If this past weekend is any
indication of what Kreider is going to do this season for Boston College, then the
decision is only validated further and the Rangers will be the ultimate
benefactor in the player Kreider ultimately is when he turns pro, likely next
summer.
