When Chris Kreider and coach York announced early this month that he would return to school for his junior season, the Rangers media ate it up. It sounded like the team would continue to push for the sophomore winger to join the team next season, especially when head coach John Tortorella made comments about wanting Kreider on the Blueshirts next season.
For about a month now, rumors have been circulating that Kreider would tell York and the Eagles that he was going to go pro. Well Ranger Rants Andrew Gross spoke to Kreider and set the record straight:
"Just got off the phone with Kreider, who announced in April he would be returning for his junior season with Boston College, and the Rangers' first-round pick in 2009 said nothing has changed for him.
In other words, the rumor is not true.
Kreider did add that the "decision to go back for my junior season" was valid "as of now," which made it sound like that could change.
But Kreider said the decision wasn't as tough a decision as one might believe."
So, to recap:
The Rangers haven't contacted Kreider ... yet.
No contract on the table ... yet.
Kreider's decision is valid "as of now."
I suppose that's good news -- not great -- as it seems things still could change later in the summer. But props to Kreider for sticking to his decision and returning to school. Again, for now.
Kreider just got back from the 2011 IIHF World Championships, where Team USA fell short of the medal round after getting eliminated by the Czech Republic. Kreider finished with two goals and an assist with a +1 +/- in seven games.
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