Vatrano Reflects on Kreider’s Transition to Anaheim
Frank Vatrano, who joined the Rangers in March 2022 via trade, has known Chris Kreider for a while. In fact, his cousin, Barry Almeida, played alongside Kreider at Boston University.
After a stint with the Rangers, where they almost reached the Stanley Cup final, Vatrano moved to Anaheim, bringing with him some insight about the veteran forward. He’s now excited to welcome Kreider to his new team.
“When I got to New York, he texted me right away and offered me his place to stay. That was really generous,” Vatrano recalled about their time together as teammates before participating in a charity hockey event in Stamford, Connecticut. “I didn’t pay a dime. I lived in a nice house in Tribeca. Now playing with him again is fantastic. I think California will suit him well; it’s more laid back, and it’s a great place for families.”
During his time on the ice, Vatrano often played alongside Kreider and Mika Zibanejad, but he humbly described his role as just “riding along.” Still, he had a front-row seat to witness Kreider’s impressive 52-goal season in 2021-22.
“One day, I’m going to hang his jersey at MSG,” Vatrano expressed with enthusiasm.
Kreider appeared relaxed during Thursday’s charity event, focused on promoting mental health awareness in memory of the late Hayden Thorsen. Fans began queuing up as early as 2:30 PM, eager to see Kreider, who has been a long-standing player for the Rangers.
When asked about his feelings surrounding the trade to Anaheim on June 12, Kreider had mixed feelings. He acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the transition, reflecting on the strong bond with the fanbase. “I’ve received a lot of kindness and gratitude—both ways,” Kreider remarked, highlighting his appreciation for the Rangers and their supporters.
With a scar on his hand from surgery after the last season, Kreider seems ready to embrace this new chapter of his career. Despite being distant from former teammates, they remain close, and he looks forward to what lies ahead.
At the local rink in Connecticut, fans bid farewell on Thursday. Vatrano shared his admiration for Kreider’s work ethic, describing him as a dedicated athlete who pushes himself every day. “We’re a young team, with a mix of experience. He’ll definitely be a big part of the future,” Vatrano noted, hinting at the camaraderie they share and the dinners they often have together.
