Rangers Buy into Future Instead of Selling at NHL Trade Deadline

As the NHL trade deadline approached, there was a big decision for the New York Rangers to make: trade impending free agent Chris Kreider or invest in the future and keep the talented winger around with a contract extension.

As some big names moved on Monday afternoon, Kreider's was not among them. Instead, the Rangers signed Kreider to a 7-year, $45.5 million deal. New York currently sits six points behind the Islanders and Blue Jackets in the wild card chase and while the retention of Kreider is huge for this season's postseason chances and those going forward, an injury to starting rookie goaltender Igor Shesterkin almost couldn't come at a worse time.

The 24-year old goalie was injured in a car accident on Sunday night and he will reportedly be re-evaluated in a couple of weeks. All of this comes at a time when the Rangers are rolling; they've won 7 of their last 8 games.

ESPN NHL reporter Greg Wyshynski joined Big Board Sports on Tuesday morning to break down the trade deadline and the push to the playoffs across the league.