The Anaheim Ducks and New York Rangers are reportedly engaged in advanced discussions regarding a trade that would send veteran forward Chris Kreider to Anaheim. According to multiple sources, including Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli, a framework for the deal is in place, with talks slated to continue.
The potential trade centers around the Ducks sending forward prospect Carey Terrance to the Rangers. The Ducks are expected to take on the entirety of Kreider's remaining contract, which carries an annual average value of $6.5 million for the next two seasons.
Kreider, 34, has spent his entire 13-year NHL career with the Rangers. Drafted 19th overall in 2009, he has been a consistent goal scorer, reaching the 20-goal mark in 10 of his 12 full seasons. In 2021-22, he had a career-high 52 goals and 77 points in 81 games. During the 2024-25 season, Kreider recorded 22 goals and 8 assists in 68 games.
Carey Terrance, 20, was a second-round pick by the Ducks in 2023. This past season, he scored 20 goals and 39 points in 45 games for the OHL's Erie Otters. He also has international experience, winning a gold medal with the United States at the World Juniors.
The Rangers reportedly shopped Kreider in November of last year to shake up the roster. They ultimately traded former captain Jacob Trouba to the Ducks. Kreider has a 15-team no-trade list, but he is thought to have interest in playing for Ducks coach Joel Quenneville. Kreider would also be reunited with Ryan Strome and Jacob Trouba in Anaheim.
While a framework is in place, the deal is not yet finalized. Pierre LeBrun of TSN and The Athletic reports that Anaheim is on Kreider's no-trade list, so the trade will remain in limbo until the Rangers gain clarity on whether he's willing to waive his trade protection to facilitate the deal.
The Ducks are looking to improve after missing the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season. They finished the 2024-25 season with 80 points, a significant jump from the previous year. The addition of Kreider could provide a boost to their offense and bring valuable playoff experience to a young team. Kreider has played 123 playoff games, amassing 48 goals and 76 points. He helped the Rangers reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2014, scoring five goals in the process.
For the Rangers, trading Kreider would free up cap space and allow them to potentially re-sign key restricted free agents such as K'Andre Miller and Will Cuylle. It would also mark the third difficult contract that general manager Chris Drury has managed to move without retaining salary.
Kreider ranks third in Rangers franchise history with 326 goals. He has expressed a desire to remain with the Rangers, stating that "This is home for me." However, the team's need to create cap space and Kreider's potential fit with the Ducks have made a trade a likely possibility.