Potential Trade Negotiations
The New York Rangers are reportedly negotiating a trade that would send Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks, according to information confirmed by ESPN on Wednesday. This potential deal is progressing quickly, with the Rangers set to acquire a prospect alongside a draft pick.
In exchange, the Ducks would assume Kreider’s expensive contract, which has two years remaining at $6.5 million annually, thereby allowing the Rangers more financial flexibility as they approach free agency starting July 1.
Kreider’s No-Trade Clause
For the trade to finalize as early as Wednesday, Kreider must agree to waive his no-trade protection. Currently, he has a list of 15 teams he cannot be traded to, and sources suggest that Anaheim is among that list. Nonetheless, he may contemplate joining the Ducks, especially since they have former Rangers players Jacob Trouba and Ryan Strome on their roster.
Team Management Perspectives
Daily Faceoff was the first outlet to break the news about the discussions regarding Kreider’s potential move to Anaheim.
Rangers’ general manager Chris Drury, eager to revamp his roster after the team didn’t secure a playoff spot this season, is actively making moves. This follows an earlier trade where he sent team captain Trouba to the Ducks. On the other side, the Ducks, led by general manager Pat Verbeek, are eager to revitalize their lineup in hopes of making a playoff appearance for the first time since 2018. Recently, they appointed Joel Quenneville as their new head coach; Quenneville holds the distinction of being the second-most successful coach in NHL history with three Stanley Cup victories.
Kreider’s Career Highlights and Recent Performance
Kreider, who has been with the Rangers since they selected him in the first round of the 2009 draft, boasts a commendable record, including being the franchise’s playoff leader in goals, power-play goals, and game-winning goals. In his 13-year career, he has registered 326 goals and 582 points across 883 regular-season games.
However, Kreider’s performance saw a decline this past season, totaling 22 goals and 8 assists in 68 games. He had previously disclosed that he faced multiple health issues during the year, including back trouble and an illness that resulted in vertigo. Additionally, he endured a hand injury sustained shortly after participating in the 4 Nations Face-Off as part of Team USA, which may necessitate surgery in the offseason.
