Elliotte Friedman confirms Chris Kreider's likeliest landing spot
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Chris Kreider became an unrestricted free agent on Thursday after clearing waivers as part of a mutual contract termination with the Anaheim Ducks, and the hometown speculation started almost immediately.
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman addressed the chatter directly on "32 Thoughts: The Podcast," pointing to the Boston Bruins as a logical fit for the Boxford, Massachusetts native.
I know there's a lot of speculation about Boston, it makes a lot of sense. We'll see... I heard there was interest in him.
Friedman's comments line up with what has been reported about Kreider's priorities. The 35-year-old winger has made clear he wants to return east and be closer to family after spending the first 13 years of his career with the New York Rangers and one season in Anaheim, where he posted 22 goals and 50 points in 75 games last year.
Montreal Enters the Conversation
Not everyone is pointing Kreider toward Boston. House of Hockey has reported that Kreider's interest actually centers on Montreal, citing his existing relationships with Canadiens head coach Martin St-Louis, whom he trained with previously, and the organization's front office.
The report notes Kreider has expressed a desire to join the Canadiens before, reportedly approaching players about it in the past.
The two reports do not necessarily contradict each other outright, but they do point to competing versions of where Kreider's heart lies.
Boston offers the pull of home. Montreal offers personal ties to St-Louis and a roster that could use a proven scoring winger.
With Kreider clear to sign anywhere, the situation should resolve quickly. Whether it is the Bruins or the Canadiens who land him may come down to which relationship matters more to Kreider than geography.
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Chris Kreider has revealed the team he wants to play for next
Chris Kreider has revealed the team he wants to play for next