Story Summary
The Anaheim Ducks placed 35-year-old forward Chris Kreider on unconditional waivers on Wednesday with the purpose of terminating his contract. Kreider carries one season remaining on the seven-year, $45.5 million deal he signed with the New York Rangers in February 2020; the contract carries a $6.5 million average annual value for 2026-27. If Kreider goes unclaimed, he will become an unrestricted free agent.
Key Facts
- Chris Kreider, 35-year-old forward, was placed on unconditional waivers by the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday with the purpose of terminating his contract.
- Kreider has one season remaining on a seven-year, $45.5 million contract signed Feb. 24, 2020, carrying a $6.5 million average annual value for this season.
- If Kreider goes unclaimed, he will become an unrestricted free agent.
- Anaheim needs room to sign restricted free agent forward Cutter Gauthier, who led the Ducks in goals (41) and points (69) last season.
- Anaheim matched a five-year, $90 million offer sheet ($18 million AAV) for centre Leo Carlsson on July 9.
- The Ducks also signed forward A.J. Greer to a four-year contract and defenceman Pavel Mintyukov to a five-year contract in July.
- Kreider had 50 points (22 goals, 28 assists) in 75 regular-season games and seven points (two goals, five assists) in 12 Stanley Cup Playoff games last season, his first with Anaheim following a trade from the New York Rangers.
- Kreider was traded to Anaheim on June 11, 2025, for forward prospect Carey Terrance and a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
- In 14 NHL seasons with New York and Anaheim, Kreider has 632 regular-season points (348 goals, 284 assists) in 958 games and 83 playoff points (50 goals, 33 assists) in 135 games.
- Kreider has reached the 20-goal mark in a season 11 times and posted a career-best 52 goals in 2021-22.
- The Ducks finished the previous season 43-33-6, third in the Pacific Division, and advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 2017-18, beating the Edmonton Oilers in the first round before losing to the Vegas Golden Knights.
IHM Discussion
The Ducks have placed Chris Kreider on unconditional waivers with the purpose of terminating his contract. If he goes unclaimed, the 35-year-old forward will become an unrestricted free agent.
Kreider has one season remaining on the seven-year, $45.5 million contract he signed with the New York Rangers in 2020. Its average annual value is $6.5 million for this season. With training camp due to open next week, Anaheim needs room under the $104 million NHL salary cap to sign restricted free agent Cutter Gauthier, who led the Ducks with 41 goals and 69 points last season.
Kreider produced 50 points in 75 regular-season games during his first season in Anaheim and added seven points in 12 playoff games. Across 14 NHL seasons with the Rangers and Ducks, he has 348 goals and 632 points in 958 regular-season games, plus 83 points in 135 playoff games.
Why It Matters
Kreider’s waiver placement comes as Anaheim manages a busy off-season and prepares for training camp. The Ducks need room under the $104 million cap to sign Gauthier, while their summer business also included matching Leo Carlsson’s $18 million AAV offer sheet and signing A.J. Greer and Pavel Mintyukov to multi-year contracts.
If Kreider goes unclaimed, Anaheim will lose a veteran who contributed 22 goals and 50 points in his first Ducks season.
IHM Market Outlook
If Kreider clears unconditional waivers, he will become an unrestricted free agent. His 348 regular-season goals, 50 playoff goals and 11 20-goal seasons provide the production record prospective clubs would assess.
For Anaheim, the immediate focus is the approaching training camp and the need to sign Gauthier under the $104 million cap.
Fan Pulse
Kreider’s placement on unconditional waivers gives Ducks supporters a clear decision to weigh. He supplied 22 goals and 50 points in 75 regular-season games last season, then added seven points in 12 playoff games as Anaheim reached the postseason for the first time since 2017-18.
If he goes unclaimed, the Ducks would be moving on from a proven scorer after one season with the club.
Mini Q&A
Why did the Ducks place Chris Kreider on unconditional waivers?
The Ducks placed Kreider on unconditional waivers with the purpose of terminating his contract. Reportedly, Anaheim needs room under the $104 million cap to sign restricted free agent Cutter Gauthier before training camp opens next week.
What happens if Kreider goes unclaimed on waivers?
If Kreider goes unclaimed, he will become an unrestricted free agent, as stated.
What is Kreider’s cap figure for this season?
Kreider’s contract carries a $6.5 million average annual value for this season.
What were Kreider’s recent on-ice numbers?
Last season, Kreider had 50 points (22 goals, 28 assists) in 75 regular-season games and seven points (two goals, five assists) in 12 playoff games in his first season with Anaheim.
When did Kreider join the Ducks and what was the trade return?
Kreider was traded to Anaheim on June 11, 2025, in exchange for forward prospect Carey Terrance and a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
What other signings have affected Anaheim’s cap situation this summer?
The Ducks matched a five-year, $90 million offer sheet for Leo Carlsson ($18 million AAV) on July 9 and signed A.J. Greer to a four-year deal and Pavel Mintyukov to a five-year deal in July, all of which are noted.
Coach Mark Comment
Kreider’s potential departure would remove an experienced scorer from Anaheim’s forward group. If he goes unclaimed, the coaching staff would need to redistribute those minutes and goalscoring opportunities within the roster.
What Comes Next
If Kreider goes unclaimed on unconditional waivers, he will become an unrestricted free agent. Training camp is set to open next week, and the Ducks need room under the $104 million salary cap to sign restricted free agent Cutter Gauthier.
IHM Final View
Anaheim has placed Chris Kreider on unconditional waivers with the purpose of terminating his contract. If he goes unclaimed, the Ducks will move on from a veteran forward who posted 50 points in his first season with the club, while Kreider will become an unrestricted free agent.
