Exclusive | Chris Kreider paying it forward with Rangers power play mentorship

WASHINGTON — This was when Chris Kreider was a pup in this league and surrounded by veteran teammates such as Martin St.Louis.“I remember how guys would follow Marty around the ice and try to do the things he would do,” Kreider told The Post before scoring a goal in the Blueshirts’ 5-3 defeat to the Capitals on Tuesday.

“I didn’t necessarily follow him around because I knew I would never be able to do some of things he did every shift, but just that approach always stuck with me.“Now it’s kind of my turn if I can be of any value.It’s kind of a responsibility, right?”Kreider has prime value as a power-play net-front mentor.

He’s been spending the final minutes of practices and game-day skates monitoring Kaapo Kakko, who takes that spot on the second power-play unit, on the subtleties of the position.Will Cuylle slides in at times.“We’re talking about one of the best in the game to be a net-front presence, to get his stick on pucks for tips and rebounds, screens, when to stay off the goalie when to get on the goalie,” head coach Peter Laviolette said.

“Chris is really good.“He has sat down at times off the ice and at times on the ice, working with players.[The idea] came from both of us—him and us.”Kreider’s 53 power-play goals since the start of 2021-22 — he got one off his skate in this one at the right doorstep — ranks third in the NHL behind Leon Draisaitl’s 77 PPG’s and Sam Reinhart’s 59.

Kakko has a career total of six power-play goals.“I think guys started to gravitate to that area of the ice.There was a conversation, I looked up and all of a sudden there were a couple of guys that wanted to get reps,” Kreider said.

“So let them tag in and if there are a couple of things I see, you don’t want to be overwhelming, but maybe suggest some little tweaks that give you a better chance of having success in different positions.“These guys are very receptive.You can’t lead a guy to water but if you see you...