NHL Playoffs 2012: New York Rangers Have No Deadline to Sign Chris Kreider

The New York Rangers don't have to worry about a deadline in their effort to sign Boston College's Chris Kreider and have him eligible for the NHL playoffs, reports Larry Brooks of the New York Post.

"

According to NHL bylaw 28, players are eligible to play in the playoffs if they are on their respective team’s reserve list as of 3 p.m. the day of the trade deadline.

Kreider, the 19th overall selection in the 2009 Entry Draft, was indeed on the Rangers reserve list as of the Feb. 27 trade deadline and thus would be eligible to play for them once he signs an NHL contract.

"

If there was a deadline to sign Kreider, it would have been on the final day of the regular season, which is Saturday, April 7. Kreider's Boston College Eagles team might be playing that day if they defeat Minnesota in the Frozen Four on Thursday.

The Rangers are expected to sign Kreider when the Eagles' NCAA tournament run concludes. 

"

Rangers general manager Glen Sather told The Post on Feb. 28 he both intends and expects to sign Kreider at the conclusion of the tournament, though the winger has not yet declared his intentions.

"

Kreider would give the Rangers some much-needed depth at left wing. Head coach John Tortorella doesn't have a ton of depth at that position and could certainly use Kreider's scoring ability and physical presence.

Kreider's speed and hockey intelligence makes him a player that can step into the NHL and contribute for the Rangers right away. His experience playing against top competition for Team USA will also help Kreider if he steps on the ice in the playoffs.

Nicholas Goss is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report and was the organization's on-site reporter for the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals in Boston. Follow @NicholasGoss35