Chris Kreider is officially on the move, ending his long tenure with the New York Rangers as he heads to the Anaheim Ducks in a trade completed Thursday. The deal sends the veteran winger to Anaheim in exchange for center prospect Carey Terrance and a third-round draft pick, while the Rangers also part with a fourth-round pick and gain valuable salary cap space for the offseason.
Kreider, 34, agreed to waive his no-trade clause earlier in the day to make the move possible. His arrival brings a mix of veteran experience and playoff pedigree to a young Ducks roster now under the leadership of head coach Joel Quenneville.
“Chris Kreider is the kind of player we’ve been targeting this offseason,” said Ducks GM Pat Verbeek. “He brings size, speed, and the ability to perform under pressure. He’ll make a difference on both our power play and penalty kill.”
Rangers GM Chris Drury acknowledged Kreider’s significant role in the organization’s history. “We’re grateful for everything Chris has done for this team,” Drury said. “He’s been central to many iconic moments and helped carry us to the 2014 Stanley Cup Final.”
Kreider’s departure marks a turning point for the Rangers, who failed to make the playoffs this year after reaching the Eastern Conference Final just one season prior. The move follows a similar trade in December that sent former captain Jacob Trouba to Anaheim, joining ex-Rangers Ryan Strome and Frank Vatrano as part of the Ducks’ growing group of veterans.
Kreider finishes his Rangers career as the franchise’s all-time leader in playoff goals (84) and ranks third in regular-season goals with 326. Drafted 19th overall in 2009, he spent 13 seasons with New York.
The 6-foot-3 winger from Massachusetts has two years remaining on his contract with a $6.5 million cap hit. Offloading that salary gives the Rangers flexibility to pursue free agents this summer, especially as they look to build under newly hired head coach Mike Sullivan, a two-time Stanley Cup winner.
