Zuccarello: Kreider would've got to 300 goals faster if I never got traded

Mats Zuccarello has some jokes for his old buddy Chris Kreider.

Kreider scored his 300th career goal in his 807th game Saturday against the Arizona Coyotes, but Zuccarello said his presence could've expedited the process.

"I mean, in front of the net, he's probably best in the league," Zuccarello told The Athletic's Arthur Staple about what makes Kreider unique. "They've got a good power play, of course, he's playing with good players, and he's a good player, too. It's impressive. Too bad I got traded, or he would have gotten (to 300) faster."

Kreider and Zuccarello spent parts of seven seasons together with the New York Rangers before the latter was dealt to the Dallas Stars at the 2019 trade deadline. Zuccarello has since spent the last five seasons with the Minnesota Wild.

With Kreider being a north-south power forward and Zuccarello being a shifty playmaker, the duo complemented each other well during their time together. Zuccarello assisted on 38 of Kreider's 300 goals - tied for fourth-most of any player.

"He turned out to be a great guy, good friend, and we have lots of good memories from the years we played together," Zuccarello said. "I'm really happy for him, and I hope he keeps it going."

Kreider is showing no signs of slowing down in his age-32 campaign. He's racked up 35 goals and 32 assists in 74 games this season. His 300 career goals rank third in Rangers history, trailing Rod Gilbert (406) and Jean Ratelle (336).