Ducks’ Frank Vatrano Excited He Is Teammates Again with Chris Kreider
In an offseason move that brought a smile to the face of Anaheim Ducks winger Frank Vatrano, the team’s acquisition of veteran forward Chris Kreider didn’t just shake up the roster—it reunited two old friends and former teammates who share a deep bond, both on and off the ice. As news of the Ducks’ trade for Kreider became public, Vatrano was among the first to react, and his reaction was pure joy.
“I was honestly pumped,” Vatrano said during a recent interview at the Ducks’ training facility. “The second I heard Kreids was coming to Anaheim, I shot him a text right away. We go way back, and to get the chance to share the ice with him again—it’s something special. I don’t think many guys get to play with a close friend twice in their careers.”
The pair first played together on the New York Rangers, where Vatrano was traded at the deadline in March 2022. Although his time in New York was brief—just a few months—he left a lasting impression on both fans and teammates. Kreider and Vatrano developed an instant chemistry, not only complementing each other’s playing styles but becoming close friends off the ice. Their connection helped propel the Rangers to the Eastern Conference Final, and though they fell short of the Stanley Cup, the bond between the two players was forged in that playoff run.
Fast forward to 2025, and the reunion in Anaheim isn’t just about nostalgia. It represents a strategic shift for a Ducks team that has spent the last several years rebuilding around young talent like Trevor Zegras, Leo Carlsson, and Mason McTavish. By adding Kreider, a proven veteran with a combination of size, speed, and scoring touch, the Ducks are signaling that they’re ready to compete seriously again. And for Vatrano, the move brings a sense of comfort, familiarity, and optimism.
“We had something going in New York,” Vatrano recalled. “He’s one of the hardest-working guys I’ve ever been around, and he’s the type of player who lifts the room. He plays the right way. When I found out I’d be sharing a locker room with him again, it just felt right.”
Vatrano, who scored a career-high 30 goals for Anaheim last season and was arguably their most consistent offensive threat, has grown into a leadership role himself. Once known as a shoot-first forward with speed to burn, he’s become one of the team’s most complete players, respected for his work ethic, his penalty killing, and his accountability.
In Kreider, Vatrano sees not just a familiar face, but a role model for the Ducks’ younger players. “Chris is the ultimate pro,” he said. “He’s been through it all. He knows what it takes to win. When you’re trying to show a young team how to do things the right way, there’s no better guy than Kreids.”
Kreider, now 34, arrives in Anaheim after spending his entire NHL career with the New York Rangers. Known for his explosive skating, net-front presence, and ability to deliver in key moments, he was a fixture in New York for over a decade. His 2021–22 season—where he scored a career-high 52 goals—cemented his status as one of the league’s top power forwards. But as the Rangers sought to make salary cap space and recalibrate their roster, Kreider became a valuable trade chip, and Anaheim—flush with cap room and looking for leadership—jumped at the opportunity.
Kreider himself spoke glowingly about being reunited with Vatrano. “Frankie’s one of my favorite guys I’ve played with,” he said in his introductory press conference. “We’ve always had a good understanding on the ice. He’s got a great shot, he’s fast, and he’s all heart. When I found out I was heading to Anaheim, he was the first guy I heard from. It definitely made the transition a lot easier knowing I’d be seeing him in the room every day again.”
Their on-ice chemistry was undeniable during their brief stint in New York. Vatrano was often slotted on a line with Kreider and Zibanejad, and the trio formed a fast, dynamic unit that gave opposing defenses fits. In Anaheim, head coach Greg Cronin has already hinted at reuniting the duo on a line together, potentially giving the Ducks a veteran scoring line to balance out their youthful core.
“We’re looking at combinations,” Cronin said, “but there’s no question that Frank and Chris have a history. They know where each other’s going to be, they communicate well, and they bring different but complementary skills. Having them together gives us options and helps set the tone for how we want to play.”
Vatrano is clearly excited by the idea. “We just read off each other really well,” he said. “I know what Kreids is going to do—whether he’s crashing the net, cycling the puck, or going hard on the forecheck. It’s second nature. When you have that kind of chemistry, you don’t overthink things. You just play.”
Beyond the tactics and the stats, there’s a personal joy that comes from sharing a workplace with someone you admire and trust. The NHL season is a grind—months of travel, physical punishment, and high-stakes pressure. Having someone like Kreider, who Vatrano can lean on, talk to, and joke around with, brings a welcome element of balance to the daily routine.
“We’ve been through battles together,” Vatrano said. “You don’t forget those things. It helps when the guy next to you in the stall is someone who gets it—someone who’s been in those wars with you. It keeps things light, but it also keeps things focused.”
Fans in Anaheim are also welcoming the reunion. Many remember Vatrano’s explosive start with the team and the energy he brought to a rebuilding roster. Now, with Kreider in the mix, there’s a buzz that hasn’t been felt in Orange County in years. Ticket sales have spiked since the trade, and social media has been flooded with images of the two players during their Rangers days, now reimagined in Ducks orange and black.
Longtime Ducks fan Erica Gonzales summed up the sentiment. “It’s not just that they’re good players—it’s the vibe they bring. You can tell they love the game, they play hard, and they care about winning. That’s what this team needs.”
While expectations are tempered—Anaheim is still building and faces a competitive Western Conference—the presence of seasoned players like Kreider and Vatrano is expected to stabilize the locker room and help mentor the next generation of Ducks stars.
For his part, Vatrano is embracing that leadership role more than ever. “I’ve been around long enough now to know how important it is to set the tone,” he said. “Having Kreids here just makes that easier. We’ve got each other’s backs, and we both want to help this team get to the next level.”
As training camp begins and the season approaches, there’s a palpable sense of optimism in Anaheim. With Vatrano and Kreider reunited, fans have reason to believe in the direction of the franchise. More importantly, the players themselves believe it.
“There’s something about getting a second chance to play with a guy like Kreids,” Vatrano said. “It’s rare. It doesn’t happen often. But it happened for us—and we’re going to make the most of it.”
And for a team on the rise, and two friends brought back together by the game they love, the timing couldn’t be more perfect.
