For the first time this season, Rangers coach Peter Laviolette has decided to make an established star accountable for their struggles. When they line up for Monday’s game against the Devils, Chris Kreider will not be playing hockey. The 33-year-old veteran will be a healthy scratch for the Rangers.

The move came about due to how poorly Kreider’s played recently. Despite scoring an empty net goal to seal a 3-1 win over the Stars on Dec. 20, the Rangers’ third all-time franchise leading goal scorer hasn’t performed up to expectations. Despite ranking third in goals with 10 this season, he’s gone long stretches without producing. That’s especially true at five-on-five where he’s struggled with only three points in 30 games.

Considering how checked out he looked in Sunday’s 3-1 loss to the Hurricanes, it isn’t surprising that Laviolette decided to sit him out. It’s been a tough season for Kreider. Early on, back spasms affected his play, limiting his effectiveness. Kreider missed three games due to the lingering issue. It doesn’t explain how ineffective he’s been at even strength. It’s been so bad that Laviolette finally split him up from Mika Zibanejad, who also has had his issues. He enters today with nine points at five-on-five.

For Kreider, this could be the beginning of the end. The longest tenured Ranger, he’s been one of the franchises’s best finishers in team history. He ranks third on the all-time franchise list with 315 goals. He’s also second on the all-time franchise list with 114 power-play goals. That trails Camille Henry by two.

The question is does Kreider want out. The uncertain status of his future has come up due to Rangers team president and general manager Chris Drury’s memo to the rest of the league that made him and former captain Jacob Trouba available. It was a sign of disrespect for a well-respected player who’s always been accountable when his play is lacking. He’s looked mentally taxed following games during interviews. The frustration is evident when you see it written all over his face.

It’ll be interesting to see how the Rangers react to the news of Kreider sitting out. Will they respond to Laviolette’s strong message? The trade freeze ends on Dec. 27. If they lose today to the Devils, expect more changes to follow.