Chris Kreider, a staple of the New York Rangers franchise for over a decade, is officially heading to the Anaheim Ducks after waiving his no-trade clause, sources confirmed to ESPN. The move marks the end of an era for the Rangers and signals a new chapter for the veteran winger, who has spent his entire NHL career in New York since being drafted 19th overall in 2009. For the Ducks, it’s a significant move—one that brings experience, leadership, and production to a young, rebuilding roster looking to find its way back into playoff contention.
Kreider’s decision to waive his no-trade clause was not made lightly. For years, he has been one of the cornerstones of the Rangers’ identity—an imposing, physical forward with a knack for scoring goals in high-pressure moments and setting the tone with his work ethic. But with the Rangers in the midst of retooling their roster and making cap space to remain competitive long-term, the opportunity to move a high-salary veteran like Kreider proved too valuable to pass up. Anaheim emerged as the most aggressive suitor, and once Kreider gave his blessing, the deal was finalized behind closed doors.
Kreider’s departure from New York will undoubtedly be emotional for both the player and the fan base. Over 11 seasons, he racked up over 270 goals and more than 500 points in a Rangers sweater. He developed into one of the league’s premier power forwards and was known for his net-front presence, ability to drive play, and commitment to both ends of the ice. His leadership on and off the ice also grew with time, culminating in his appointment as an alternate captain and his role as a steady voice in a locker room that experienced both exhilarating playoff runs and disappointing rebuilds.
Kreider was one of the few players who seamlessly transitioned from the Rangers’ Henrik Lundqvist era to their current core built around stars like Adam Fox, Igor Shesterkin, and Artemi Panarin. He saw the rise and fall of numerous lineups, served under multiple coaches, and remained consistent through it all. In many ways, he became synonymous with Rangers hockey—respected, durable, and often the difference-maker in key games.
His decision to waive his no-trade clause is indicative of the current state of the Rangers organization. After another playoff disappointment, the front office has been aggressive in seeking a balance between its win-now aspirations and its financial future. Kreider’s \$6.5 million annual cap hit, while justifiable for his production and veteran presence, became a talking point as the team sought greater flexibility. While the specifics of the return from Anaheim have not been made public yet, sources suggest the Rangers will receive a package of draft picks and prospects that align with their long-term objectives.
For Anaheim, acquiring Kreider is a bold move that underscores the franchise’s commitment to accelerating its rebuild. The Ducks have one of the NHL’s most promising young cores, headlined by talents like Trevor Zegras, Mason McTavish, and Leo Carlsson. But the team has struggled with consistency, maturity, and identity in recent seasons. Bringing in a veteran like Kreider, who has been through deep playoff battles and carries a professional approach to the game, is a calculated attempt to instill structure and winning habits into the room.
Anaheim is banking on more than just Kreider’s experience. The 33-year-old winger remains a productive force in the NHL, having just come off a 29-goal campaign. His skating, physicality, and ability to score in front of the net will immediately boost a Ducks power play that has hovered near the bottom of the league for years. Additionally, Kreider’s mentorship could prove invaluable to the young forwards on the roster. He understands the nuances of growing into a leadership role and knows how to navigate the highs and lows of a long NHL season.
Sources close to Kreider suggest that the opportunity to play a meaningful role in Anaheim’s resurgence played a major part in his decision. Though the Ducks are not currently contenders, their vision for the future appealed to the veteran winger, who still has a few prime years left in his game. The chance to help shape a new era of Ducks hockey—and to do so in a market that’s hungry for success again—ultimately tipped the scales.
In New York, the reaction to Kreider’s exit is one of bittersweet acceptance. Fans knew the possibility of a trade loomed as the offseason approached, especially given the Rangers’ need to make tough financial decisions. Still, saying goodbye to a player of Kreider’s stature won’t be easy. His highlight-reel goals, bruising forechecks, and passionate celebrations became fixtures at Madison Square Garden. His contributions went beyond the stat sheet—he was the kind of player who stood up for teammates, played through injury, and brought an unwavering intensity to the rink each night.
Kreider’s tenure in New York will be remembered for his consistency and class. Drafted out of Boston College, where he helped lead the Eagles to a national championship, he jumped straight into the NHL and made an immediate impact in the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Over the years, he grew into a leader, never the flashiest star on the roster but always one of the most dependable. His 52-goal campaign during the 2021-22 season was a career-defining moment, showcasing just how dangerous he could be when fully dialed in.
His role in helping younger players, especially fellow forwards like Alexis Lafrenière and Kaapo Kakko, was widely praised by teammates and coaches. While he may not have worn the captain’s “C,” he was undeniably one of the team’s emotional leaders—a player whose influence shaped locker room culture.
As the Rangers look ahead, the departure of Kreider opens up a spot in the top six and creates more cap room to pursue other free agents or extend their rising stars. It’s also a statement about the franchise’s evolution. With new voices emerging and a core that continues to trend younger, the Rangers are clearly preparing for the next phase of their identity.
Anaheim, meanwhile, gets an immediate jolt of credibility and veteran presence. Kreider’s resume speaks for itself, and he brings a no-nonsense attitude that can resonate with a developing group. While some might view the move as a short-term play, the Ducks are confident that Kreider’s impact will be both immediate and lasting. They see him as the kind of player who can help turn narrow losses into gritty wins and help stabilize a team still figuring out how to win consistently.
Kreider’s arrival will also bring added attention to the Ducks, who have often flown under the radar in recent years. With one of the most respected names in the league now wearing the black and orange, Anaheim is hoping to shift the narrative and reassert itself as a franchise on the rise.
As news of the trade reverberates around the league, the overarching sentiment is one of respect—for Kreider’s legacy in New York, for the Rangers’ difficult decision to move on, and for Anaheim’s willingness to push its chips in. Trades like this are rarely simple. They are driven by timing, opportunity, and the willingness of a player to embrace change.
Chris Kreider’s willingness to embrace that change now sets the stage for a fascinating new chapter in his career. For the first time since he broke into the league, he’ll put on a different jersey, hear a different crowd, and skate under different lights. But if there’s one thing his time in New York has proven, it’s that Kreider doesn’t shy away from the moment.
In Anaheim, a young team will look to him for guidance, goals, and grit. And Kreider, as always, will bring all three.
