Rangers' Chris Kreider Diagnosed with Blood Clot in Arm, Out Indefinitely

The New York Rangers announced Thursday that forward Chris Kreider is out indefinitely due to a blood clot in his right arm.

Kreider exited after the first period of Wednesday's 1-0 shootout win over the Washington Capitals with what was initially called an upper-body injury.

In 37 games this season, Kreider has registered 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points to go along with an even plus-minus rating and 29 penalty minutes.

The 26-year-old veteran enjoyed a career year in 2016-17, registering personal bests with 28 goals and 25 assists for 53 points.

This season, Kreider has been a solid contributor with the man advantage, as the big-bodied winger has put up five power-play goals and seven power-play points.

New York is currently fourth in the Metropolitan Division with 44 points, and it holds the No. 1 wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference through 37 games.

In losing Kreider, the Rangers will be without their No. 4 scorer for an undetermined amount of time.

That will require leading scorers Mats Zuccarello, Pavel Buchnevich and J.T. Miller to step up even more during his absence.

Mika Zibanejad, Michael Grabner, David Desharnais, Rick Nash and Kevin Hayes are other forwards who can help pick up the slack in a by-committee approach for the balanced Rangers as well.