He's a great player but can he be an elite player. I think every fan wanted that from him so much hype the minute he can into the post season the minute fans saw the strength and skill I think we all wished he was an ace in the hole but he might never be that
I don't think he's a great player.
I think he has great speed, but so did Hagelin for that matter.
He has great strength, but rarely uses it to win board battles or push people around. He seems to only use it when he is fast breaking with the puck and trying to cut in on pursuing defenders.
Basically, he has two gifts, and is a one trick pony. Neither of his gifts involve a "head" for the game.
And let's face it, he's in his 4th season with the Rangers & is 24 years old. The word "Elite" will never apply to Kreider. Elites are quite rare and generally known well before the age of 24.
All of this said, I think Kreider may be a worthy risk for another team to take. Paired with the appropriate Center, he could improve. I'm not saying someone can do for him what McDavid did for Yakupov until the McDavid injury, but a change in environment and teammates might be what the doctor ordered for Kreider. I really think we can get a solid return for a guy like Kreider in a package deal and not hurt our team.