Recently, Chris Kreider’s Trade to the Anaheim Ducks stunned the NHL world on June 12, 2025, when the New York Rangers traded their longest‑tenured forward to the Anaheim Ducks. Most shockingly, with a contract carrying a $6.5 million cap hit and two years remaining, Anaheim will pay his full salary. In return, New York receives promising prospect Carey Terrance and a 2025 third‑round pick; at the same time, the Ducks send back a fourth‑rounder.
Chris Kreider’s Career in New York
Chris Kreider appeared in the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs and has stayed in New York for 13 seasons. He ranks third in franchise history with 326 regular‑season goals and 582 points over 883 games, and leads in playoff goals (48). He is best known for his leadership, and he won the inaugural Rod Gilbert “Mr. Ranger” Award.
Last season, before Chris Kreider’s trade to the Anaheim Ducks, he scored 22 goals and 8 assists (30 points) in 68 games, limited by back spasms and illness—a career low outside the pandemic year—but remains a battery-powered winger the Ducks call “size, speed, and a clutch performer.”
“Chris Kreider is the type of player we were looking to add this offseason,” Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek said in a statement. “He has size, speed and is a clutch performer that elevates his game in big moments. Chris also upgrades both of our special teams units, something we really needed to address.”
3 Hidden Facts You Need to Know about Chris Kreider’s Trade to the Anaheim Ducks
- Fourth‑rounder flips to third‑round pick value
The New York Rangers moved up 15 spots in the draft by swapping the Ducks’ 4th for a 3rd‑rounder (originally Toronto’s), upgrading future draft capital - Waived a 15‑team no‑trade list to seal it
Anaheim was on Kreider’s 15‑team no‑trade list. He approved the move, showing commitment to his next stage Immediate salary‑dump relief for the Rangers
Trading Kreider clears $6.5 million in cap space—now approximately $14.9 million in available room—giving New York flexibility to chase free agents or offer sheets
Anaheim’s Strategic Pickup
Chris Kreider’s trade to the Anaheim Ducks signals a deliberate move. The Ducks missed the playoffs for seven consecutive years and finished with just 80 points in the 2024–25 season. General Manager Pat Verbeek said Kreider uplifts special teams, especially the power play.Anaheim also retained approximately $32 million in cap space, making it feasible.
Under new coach Joel Quenneville, the Ducks lean on Kreider’s veteran presence alongside youth like Mason McTavish, Leo Carlsson, and Cutter Gauthier—all 20+ goal scorers last season. Therefore, regardless, Chris Kreider’s trade to the Anaheim Ducks is extremely beneficial for the Ducks.
Chris Kreider’s trade to the Anaheim Ducks marks the end of a remarkable 13-year run with the New York Rangers, who drafted him in the first round back in 2009. Known for his gritty presence in front of the net, Kreider leaves behind a legacy as the franchise’s all-time playoff leader in goals, power-play tallies, and game-winners.
Kreider revealed after the season that he dealt with a string of health issues, including persistent back problems, an illness that triggered vertigo symptoms, and a hand injury sustained immediately after representing Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off. The hand may require offseason surgery, further casting doubt on his future form.
What This Means for Both Teams
For the Rangers
Chris Kreider’s trade to the Anaheim Ducks frees up cap space to rebuild under new coach Mike Sullivan. They land a high-end prospect in Carey Terrance (39 points in 45 OHL games, Team USA World Juniors gold) and a valuable mid‑round pick.
For the Ducks
Anaheim gains instant experience and power-play firepower. By bringing in Kreider, they hope he’ll bounce back to 30+ goals and 60+ points with better health. His veteran leadership should help accelerate the development of their young core.
The Lasting Impact of This Trade
Chris Kreider’s trade to the Anaheim Ducks marks the end of an era in New York. Rangers fans are saying farewell to a true icon.For Anaheim, it’s a calculated gamble—pairing top prospects with veteran polish.
Will Kreider help lift the Ducks back to playoff contention? Or will the salary cap and aging curve limit his impact? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for certain: this trade has legs—and storylines—to explore throughout the 2025–26 season.