Ducks Closing In On Blockbuster Deal To Land Chris Kreider From Rangers
Wow—big news is breaking across the NHL landscape as the Anaheim Ducks are reportedly on the verge of acquiring veteran winger Chris Kreider from the New York Rangers. According to multiple insiders, including Frank Seravalli and Vince Mercogliano, the two sides are in advanced talks, and a deal could be finalized as early as tomorrow morning. If it goes through, this would mark the end of an era for Kreider, who has spent his entire 13-year career in New York.
Now, let’s put this into perspective. Kreider has been the heart and soul of the Rangers since being drafted 19th overall back in 2009. He’s racked up 326 career goals—third most in franchise history—and has hit the 20-goal mark in 10 of his 12 full seasons. Most notably, he exploded for 52 goals during the 2021-22 campaign, helping lead the Rangers to a 50-win season and deep playoff push. So yeah, the guy’s a proven scorer and a playoff performer—he’s tallied 24 playoff goals in just 43 games over the last three years.
Also Read:- Indiana’s Preschool Voucher Cuts Threaten Access for Thousands of Families
- Knicks Eye Blockbuster Move for Kevin Durant Amid Offseason Shakeup
So why move him now? Honestly, it comes down to cap space and timing. Kreider is 34, carrying a $6.5 million cap hit through the 2026-27 season, and the Rangers just endured a brutal year—missing the playoffs with a 29-point drop in the standings. Kreider dealt with a laundry list of issues: back problems, a hand injury, even vertigo. He managed just 30 points in 68 games, which is his lowest scoring rate since his rookie days. Still, he scored 22 goals and shot nearly 15%—right around his career average. The potential for a rebound is definitely there, especially if he finds chemistry in Anaheim’s younger lineup.
The Ducks, meanwhile, look like they’re gearing up to compete. They’ve got promising young talent, a ton of cap space, and now they’re adding a seasoned goal-scorer with a strong playoff résumé. The return to New York is expected to be a second-round prospect—Carey Terrance—and a draft pick. Terrance, a center taken in the second round of the 2023 draft, is seen as a solid depth prospect and just signed his entry-level deal this April.
One of the most interesting wrinkles? Kreider might be reunited with former Rangers captain Jacob Trouba, who the Ducks also acquired earlier this year. It’s wild to think that both former Blueshirts could be skating together again—but this time on the West Coast.
Now, it’s unclear exactly where Kreider fits into Anaheim’s lineup. They’ve got Cutter Gauthier on the left side, plus Trevor Zegras (now playing wing) and Frank Vatrano, who can shift to the right. But however the lines shake out, the message from the Ducks’ front office is clear—they’re done rebuilding and ready to make some noise.
Chris Kreider in a Ducks jersey? Yeah, it’s going to be strange. But for Anaheim fans, this could be the start of something big.
Read More:
0 Comments