Okay Rangers fans, buckle up because this one hurts. Right when we’re all keeping an eye on the trade deadline drama, the Rangers got hit with a double whammy. One of their key players is sidelined—and the timing could not be more brutal with the playoffs inching closer and the trade window about to slam shut. Yeah, the universe loves to play its jokes.

On February 28, journalist Jonny Lazarus (@JLazzy23) dropped this update on X: “#NYR    Chris Kreider doing some individual work while other guys on the ice do some skills, this is definitely a hidden bagger, safe to assume he’s not going tonight.”  When Chris Kreider isn’t playing, the vibes shift HARD.

So what happened to Chris Kreider? He’s been dealing with a bad back all season and though this current injury has only been listed as an upper body injury, it could very well be his back giving him trouble. Even though he was seen practicing individually, he’s not a lock for the Rangers’ game against the Maple Leafs. Though the good news is that he was able to be on the ice at all, suggesting it isn’t too serious an injury.

Oh, and it’s not just Chris Kreider. Adam Fox and K’Andre Miller are both out too. And here’s where the trade deadline plot twist hits, which is on 7th March — because if Kreider can’t get healthy fast, the Rangers could consider flipping him (or someone else) for a player who’s 100% playoff-ready.

What does this mean for Chris Kreider and the Rangers?

Losing Chris Kreider is certainly not cause for a panic trade. Though his 17 goals put him in second on the team for goals, Kreider’s niggling injuries have not made for the best season. He hasn’t quite hit the highs of previous seasons, and it’s starting to look like age and injuries are giving him a lot of trouble this year. Furthermore, his injury does not look like a long-term issue considering he’s back in practice and could potentially even play in tonight’s game.

But the urgency of the trade deadline adds a whole new dimension. Let’s not forget: teams only have until March 7 to decide if they’re buying, selling, or just standing awkwardly in the corner hoping nobody notices them.

According to the New York Post, trading Kreider while he’s hurt isn’t totally off the table—but it’s tricky because injured players don’t exactly have “prime trade value.” The Rangers could also bring in reinforcements if they decide to commit to trying to make it to the playoffs.

Bottom line? This next week is about to be chaotic in Rangerstown. If Kreider’s recovery drags, the Rangers might have to panic-buy someone else to fill the gap—or risk rolling into the playoffs understaffed. What do y’all think? Should the Rangers pull the trigger on a trade or trust the boys to heal up in time? Comment below!