You’ll know what Rangers management believes about the rebuilding timeline by the decision on Chris Kreider.
Because if president John Davidson and general manager Jeff Gorton believe the Blueshirts can be legitimate playoff contenders (or more) in a volatile NHL within the next two or three years, then trading Kreider, rather than signing No. 20 to an extension, wouldn’t make the slightest bit of sense.
Because there is nothing the Rangers could get in return for Kreider that will make them a better team over the next one, two or three seasons.
On the other hand, it the front office believes the future won’t arrive for another four or five seasons, then they might as well deal Kreider by the Feb.