Peter Laviolette reveals the real reason behind veteran Chris Kreider being healthy scratched
Chris Kreider rode pine last night, as the New Jersey Devils thumped the New York Rangers 5-0, in the Prudential Center. Of course, it's tough to bench a lifer like Kreider, but for Laviolette, it was a necessary evil.
The New Jersey Devils on home ice, would bagel the New York Rangers as the team was held scoreless against Jacob Markstrom and the Devils.
The Devils would limit the Rangers to only 12 shots on goal against Markstrom who would end the night with a 1.00 save percentage.
After the game, Peter Laviolette was asked about scratching Kreider, and the uneasiness of it all.
Kreider himself has only 12 points( 11 G, 1 A) in 30 games, with only one goal in nine games.
While the scratch itself wasn't an easy topic to discuss with the veteran, it is an instance of the coach finally holding veterans who aren't producing to account.
The veteran forward has spent his entire career with the New York Rangers and makes $6.5 Million AAV.
In the last three seasons, we saw him produce up to his value with three consecutive 30+ goal seasons.
And now, we could see him dangled as a piece on the trade block, once March rolls around.
This move has only given pundits and NHL media the idea that he could be moved soon. Which, unless he improves there is always that chance.
But with a 15-time NTC, it'll be difficult for GM Chris Drury and the Rangers to find a taker which Kreider would ink with.
