Carey Terrance Is Tasked With The Impossible: Filling Chris Kreider's Shoes

Replacing a legend the likes of Chris Kreider is no easy feat, and that’s exactly what forward Carey Terrance will be tasked with doing. 

The New York Rangers acquired Terrance from the Anaheim Ducks as part of a trade that centered around Kreider. 

Now, Terrance will be linked to Kreider until he makes a name for himself with the Rangers. 

That’s a lot of pressure to put on a 20-year-old player, but Terrance is not looking to be like Kreider, he’s looking just to be himself. 

“I don’t think I look too much into that,” Terrance said about filling Kreider’s shoes. “He’s a great player, he’s scored a lot of goals in this league. To be traded for him, it’s pretty cool, but just trying to come in here with a clear mindset.”

Terrance has already carved out an impressive resume for himself even before entering the NHL.

He was selected by the Ducks in the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft and he’s shown a tremendous amount of promise over the past two seasons. 

Playing for the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League this past season, Terrance recorded 20 goals, 19 assists, and 39 points in 45 games. 

Beyond just his stats, it’s Terrance’s speed on the ice as well as his ability to play a strong two-way game that stands out most about him. 

“I think my skating,” Terrance said about his biggest strength as a player. “I can skate up and down the ice really well. I can play in all situations. Whatever the coach needs me to play that game or that shift. He needs me to play on the penalty kill or he needs to play me on the power play. I think I’m a versatile player and I could play up and down the lineup.”

These skill sets are one part of Terrance’s intrigue as a player, but his leadership qualities make him the ultimate package.

With the Otters, Terrance served as the team’s captain during the 2024-25 season, which is undoubtedly a high honor to be given that responsibility. 

Terrance leads both by using his voice to motivate his teammates and by playing a hard-nosed game. 

“I’m vocal, I can be vocal,” said Terrance. “I’m not a very easy guy on the ice. I also lead by example, whether it’s making some hits, big plays, that’s the way I like to lead, vocal and by example.”

At the Rangers’ development camp last week, Terrance was one of the prospects who truly stood out among the pack. 

He was flying all over the ice as his speed was on full display, while his physical game was also on point. 

Talking with Terrance, he also appears to be wise beyond his years. He spoke in a mature manner for a younger player, and he displayed a level of joy and enthusiasm. 

It’s now easy to understand why he was named captain of the Otters. 

This upcoming season, Terrance is expected to make the jump to professional hockey and play for the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League. 

It’s been a whirlwind few weeks for Terrance since the trade took place. He’s focused on etching his mark with the Rangers and stepping out of Kreider’s shadows, blossoming into his own in the eyes of New Yorkers. 

“Hockey is a business. Everything happens for a reason,” Terrance said. “That’s kind of the way I took it. Anaheim drafted me, did really well with my development, and I can’t thank them enough. I had a great time with them. 

“Just trying to come to New York with the same attitude, put my best foot forward every day, and take their development.”