Tag: Free agent

Lausanne linked with free-agent Philipp Kurashev

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Lausanne HC are reportedly leading the pursuit of free-agent forward Philipp Kurashev, although he remains in search of an NHL roster place. Kurashev was seen training on the ice at Vaudoise aréna, but his presence there does not confirm that an agreement with the National League club is close.

Kurashev has been without a club since the San Jose Sharks did not qualify him. He played 43 games for San Jose last season, scoring seven goals and adding 13 assists.

Key Facts

  • Philipp Kurashev was seen training at Vaudoise aréna.
  • Lausanne HC are reportedly ahead in the race to sign Kurashev.
  • Kurashev is still seeking an NHL roster place.
  • The San Jose Sharks did not qualify Kurashev, leaving him a free agent.
  • Kurashev recorded seven goals and 13 assists in 43 games for San Jose last season.

IHM Discussion

The reported Lausanne interest remains a developing situation rather than a completed signing. Kurashev’s appearance at Vaudoise aréna is compatible with maintaining his fitness while he assesses his options, and there is no confirmation that a deal has been agreed.

For Lausanne, the link is nevertheless notable because Kurashev arrives on the market after producing 20 points in 43 games for San Jose last season. His immediate priority, however, is reportedly to find a place on an NHL roster.

Why It Matters

Kurashev’s next destination is of interest on both sides of the Atlantic. A move to Lausanne would bring an NHL-experienced forward to the National League, but the possibility remains contingent on whether he can secure another NHL opportunity first.

Chris Kreider placed on waivers as Ducks seek cap room

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

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.

Clubs Showing Interest in Laine as a Free Agent

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Laine, 28, remains without a club after his contract expired in the summer and has attracted reported interest from NHL teams. The Toronto Maple Leafs are named among the interested clubs. Ottawa reporter Bruce Garrioch also reports that Ottawa explored the possibility of signing Laine during the summer, but considers a move to the Canadian capital very unlikely. Laine played only five games last season, but has recorded three 30-goal NHL campaigns, including 44 goals for the Winnipeg Jets in 2017-18.

Key Facts

  • Patrik Laine is a free agent after his contract expired in the summer.
  • The Toronto Maple Leafs are reported as one interested club.
  • Ottawa reporter Bruce Garrioch reports that additional clubs have shown interest and that Ottawa investigated signing Laine over the summer.
  • Garrioch states it is currently very unlikely Laine would end up in Ottawa.
  • Laine played only five NHL games last season.
  • Laine has recorded three 30-goal seasons in his career and scored 44 goals for the Winnipeg Jets in 2017-18.
  • Laine is 28 years old.

IHM Discussion

The report points to renewed interest in a player with an established NHL scoring record who is currently available. The Maple Leafs are named as an interested club, while Bruce Garrioch reports that Ottawa considered the option during the summer but is now an unlikely destination. Laine’s five-game season provides an important recent contrast to three previous 30-goal campaigns.

Why It Matters

Laine’s three 30-goal NHL seasons give interested clubs a clear record of high-end scoring production. His limited appearance total last season will nevertheless form part of any assessment of a potential signing.

Coach Mark Comment

A player with three 30-goal seasons brings proven scoring pedigree. The key for any staff considering him is to establish where that scoring ability best fits within the group.