New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider will be sidelined indefinitely after being diagnosed with a blood clot in his right arm, the team announced Thursday. The news is a major blow to New York, although the health of the 26-year-old is a far more important issue at this point.
Rangers’ Chris Kreider out indefinitely due to blood clot in right arm
A major blow to New York’s forward corps.
Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images
Kreider left the Rangers’ 1-0 victory over the Capitals following the first period with an unspecified injury. Even coach Alain Vigneault said he was “not quite sure right now” when asked about the winger’s status following the game, which he left without any play or hit that seemed to cause an injury.
The forward was sent to a hospital Wednesday night where doctors discovered the blood clot, according to ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski.
Blood clot diagnoses have become increasingly common for NHL players over the years, as players such as Tomas Fleischmann, Pascal Dupuis, Tomas Vokoun, and Kimmo Timonen have been treated for them. Kris Letang also suffered a stroke in 2014 as a result of a blood clot in his brain.
These are serious ailments to be handled because the risks go far beyond hockey. Blood clots can be life-threatening if not properly diagnosed and treated, so it’s at least good to see that doctors discovered Kreider’s issue before it could get any worse.
Kreider, a blazing fast winger, has emerged as one of the Rangers’ most steady forwards over the past few years. He recorded career-highs with 28 goals and 53 points last season. This season, he’s tied for second on the team with 11 goals in 37 games.
It’s unclear whether any roster moves were made with Kreider yet, but he’ll likely be placed on long-term injured reserve. The Rangers recalled Vinni Lettieri, who has 21 points in 31 AHL games this season, to add another forward to their roster.
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