Chris Kreider reveals which teams he has no interest in playing for
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Chris Kreider cleared waivers and is now a free agent after Anaheim terminated his deal to open cap room for Cutter Gauthier.
Chris Kreider is officially a free agent.
The Ducks placed the veteran winger on unconditional waivers for the purpose of contract termination, and after going unclaimed, the move became final.
It's a stunning turn for a player who arrived in Anaheim just last summer expecting to be part of the core moving forward.
According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, Kreider made it clear through several sources that he wants to head back east, closer to family, after spending the first thirteen years of his career with the Rangers.
Friedman also reported Kreider wouldn't have reported if he got claimed by a team he didn't want to play for.
This essentially means that Kreider is scratching off every Western Conference team.
Elliotte Friedman: Re Chris Kreider waivers/Ducks: "According to several sources, Kreider has indicated he desires to return east, closer to family...and will not report if claimed somewhere he prefers not to play."
NHLRR: "The Ducks agreed to put Kreider on waivers for purposes for contract termination ahead of big cap jumps to Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier."
NHLRR: "The Ducks agreed to put Kreider on waivers for purposes for contract termination ahead of big cap jumps to Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier."
Why Anaheim needed the cap space
This wasn't about performance.
Kreider put up 22 goals and 50 points last season and was a key piece of a Ducks team that reached the playoffs for the first time since 2018.
The real issue is money. Anaheim matched a massive offer sheet for Leo Carlsson worth $18 million a year, and they're still staring down a huge extension for Cutter Gauthier after his 41 goal breakout season.
Something had to give, and Kreider's $6.5 million cap hit was the domino.
What comes next for Kreider
Now 35, Kreider isn't short on suitors.
Eastern Conference teams looking for size, net front presence and power play scoring should be lining up fast.
He's still productive, still physical, and now he's a free agent without the Ducks needing to attach sweeteners to move him.
For Anaheim, clearing his money off the books gives Pat Verbeek the flexibility to get Gauthier locked up and keep building around Carlsson.
Expect a decision on his next team sooner rather than later once camps open around the league.
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