We chatted with Chris Kreider, who’s jaw
visibly dropped when Jeff Skinner was taken by Carolina at No. 7, Friday night about the draft and being involved in the play that resulted in Derek Stepan's concussion during the final game of the Frozen Four.
BB: As you watch the draft and look back on last year, tell us what's going on in the minds of these kids tonight?
CK: Just excited to be there. Obviously there’s a lot more
hype for guys taken in the top 10. But
really you just have to enjoy yourself. It’s a bit different for guys in the top 10 though. It’s still surreal and gets me excited. It makes me want to work that much harder.
BB: Is Derek Stepan mad at you for concussing him in the
NCAA Championship game?
CK: He doesn’t
remember it. ButI didn’t concuss
him, I think he might have caught an
edge there. I wouldn’t be mad at him,
it’s just playing hard and things happen.
BB: Is there anyone you’re really pulling for tonight?
CK: [Cam] Fowler and [Jack] Campbell. The US
guys, I played with them so I’m definitely pulling for them.
BB: Your remarkable
success this year is well documented, does any accomplishment stick out?
CK: The body of work
on the whole. They were all special in
their own way.
BB: What’s your goal for this year?
CK: To do it all
again this year and just to get better.
BB: Do you have a
goal timewise, for making the Rangers?
CK: No timeline. Maybe up here (points to head).
BB: Are you looking forward to the Prospect Camp next week?
CK: Yeah, there’s going to be a lot of physical testing but
I look at it as a measuring stick to see how far I’ve progressed this year.
BB: Do you pay close
attention to Rangers roster moves and who they may take in the draft?
CK: I pay pretty close attention to them. I’m really a big fan of the game so it gets
my attention for sure.
BB: You played in
middle school with Ryan Bourque, would you say he’s your best friend in the
Rangers system?
CK: Yeah, him and Stepan
BB: Even though you concussed him?
CK: (Laughs) I didn’t concuss him.
Check out Blueshirt Bulletin Plus for interviews with Ryan Bourque and Ethan Werek from the draft party
