NHL Playoffs 2012: New York Rangers Agree to Terms with Chris Kreider

Chris Kreider is Broadway-bound after a few days of speculation. The report was confirmed today by TSN insider Bob McKenzie.

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NYR and Chris Kreider have agreed to terms on an entry-level contract.

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) April 10, 2012"

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Kreider will join NYR at practice tomorrow. Eligible to play in the playoffs. Burns 1st of his 2 year entry level contract by showing up.

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"— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) April 10, 2012"

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Andrew Gross of the Record followed up with this tweet.

Ranger Rants on Kreider agreeing to terms with the Rangersblogs.northjersey.com/blogs/rangerra…

— Andrew Gross (@AGrossRecord) April 10, 2012

This move could really benefit the Rangers depending on what happens. There is always the chance that Kreider could start with the Connecticut Whale of the AHL before playing an NHL game. He will join the team for practice, and John Tortorella will make decision on whether or not he will play.

The Rangers are a team that has tons of great checking and scoring forwards, but they lack another scoring forward. Kreider has the speed, skill and size to have an impact if he is paired with complimentary players.

Kreider is fresh of an NCAA National Championship season and could have an impact if used correctly in this Rangers lineup.

He is a prototypical power forward whom Rangers fans would love to see paired up with Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik.

Kreider has shown that his speed and scoring ability can have a huge impact. He was a member of the gold medal-winning 2010 U-20 U.S. World Junior Championship team with now-teammate Derek Stepan.

This story is in its earliest stages, so check back once more updates are available.

Tom Urtz is an NHL Featured Columnist.

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