Ducks Waive Chris Kreider to End Contract as He Eyes Return East
The Anaheim Ducks have placed veteran forward Chris Kreider on waivers as they look to create more salary-cap space, according to ESPN. Kreider is in the final year of his contract. If no team claims him through waivers, his contract will end and he will become an unrestricted free agent, allowing him to sign with any NHL team.
Kreider still had one season remaining on his seven-year contract, which carries a $6.5 million salary-cap impact. However, his actual salary for the coming season is $4 million because a signing bonus was already paid earlier this year. Despite his experience and scoring ability, the Ducks decided that they could no longer afford to keep him under their current financial situation.
The move comes as Anaheim tries to complete a new contract with restricted free agent Cutter Gauthier. Gauthier had an impressive season, scoring 41 goals, and the Ducks want to keep the young forward as part of their future plans.
Anaheim’s salary situation became more difficult after the team matched a $90 million offer sheet for Leo Carlsson. Carlsson agreed to a major contract with the Philadelphia Flyers, and his $18 million average annual value will make him the NHL’s highest-paid player next season.
With Carlsson’s large contract and Gauthier needing a new deal, Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek needed to find additional salary-cap room. Ending Kreider’s contract, with the player’s approval, was considered a practical way to solve the problem.
Such contract terminations have become more common in the NHL, but the decision is still unusual because Kreider remains a productive player. The 35-year-old forward scored 22 goals and recorded 28 assists in 75 regular-season games for Anaheim last season.
Kreider is also reportedly interested in returning to the eastern part of the United States so that he can be closer to his family. Reports indicate that he may not accept a move to just any team if he clears waivers. Instead, he is expected to consider his preferred destinations before deciding where to continue his career.
Kreider joined the Ducks in 2025 after spending 14 seasons with the New York Rangers. During his first season in Anaheim, he continued to provide valuable experience and scoring. He also performed well during the playoffs, recording two goals and five assists in 12 games.
Standing at 6-foot-3, Kreider is known for his physical presence around the opponent’s goal. He is particularly effective at creating traffic in front of the net, making it difficult for goaltenders to see the puck. He has also been an important player on power plays and remains a dangerous scoring option close to the crease.
These qualities could make him attractive to several teams, especially clubs in the Eastern Conference looking for an experienced forward who can strengthen their power play and provide a strong presence in front of the net.
Kreider’s season with Anaheim was productive, but his contract no longer fits comfortably within the Ducks’ salary structure. With Carlsson’s expensive contract and Gauthier’s new deal still to be completed, Anaheim had to make difficult financial decisions.
Kreider must first pass through the waiver process. If another team claims him, that club will take over his contract. If he clears waivers, his contract with Anaheim will end and he can become an unrestricted free agent.
For the Ducks, the decision is mainly about creating salary-cap flexibility and keeping important young players. For Kreider, it could provide an opportunity to choose his next team and potentially return to the East Coast as he enters his 15th NHL season.