On Wednesday, Sept. 9, the Anaheim Ducks and Chris Kreider mutually agreed to a contract termination. Kreider had one year remaining with a $6.5 million cap hit on the original deal he signed it with the New York Rangers on Feb. 24, 2020.

Due to the Ducks’ cap issues after being forced to match a Flyers offer sheet worth $18 million AAV over five years for Leo Carlsson, Kreider became a cap casualty for Anaheim general manager Pat Verbeek. Unfortunately, he was unsuccessful in finding the right trade partner for Kreider, who prefers to relocate closer to home on the East coast.

While the Ducks try to find a way to re-sign restricted free agent Cutter Gauthier, Kreider was officially waived earlier today. With training camp approaching, he’s now an unrestricted free agent who can sign with any other team.

Most people believe he’ll wind up with the hometown Boston Bruins. They have $5.39 million left, according to Puckpedia.com. If he signed with the Bruins, Kreider would still likely be a top six forward who could slot in with Elias Lindholm and Morgan Geekie on the second line.

Although his production remained down from the glory days that saw him become a 30-goal scorer in the Big Apple, including netting a career-high 52 in 2021-22, the 35-year-old Boston native still managed to score 22 goals and add 28 assists for 50 points with the Ducks last season. In the postseason, he struggled with only two goals and five helpers for seven points in 12 games.

Kreider remains a good skater with excellent hands as a net front presence where he’s made his living. A strong player who’s adept at tipping in shots, he had eight power-play goals for the Ducks. Despite playing on the second unit, he was tied with Mikael Granlund for second on the team behind Gauthier, who paced Anaheim with 11 on the man-advantage.

No Chance of A Rangers Reunion

For the eternal optimists who hope to see Kreider return for a Rangers reunion, there’s no chance that happens.

With the key additions of Pavel Dorofeyev, Oliver Bjorkstrand, and Eeli Tolvanen helping to solidify the Rangers offense, that doesn’t leave any room for Kreider. In fact, the Rangers are right up against the cap with just $995,476 left.

As much as it would be nice to have Kreider back for the potential final chapter of his career that included being ranked third in goals (326) on the all-time franchise list, and tied for second with Camille Henry for power-play goals (116), it’s not happening.

However, the Garden faithful will always have fond memories to share with loved ones. Kreider’s natural hat trick versus the Carolina Hurricanes on May 16, 2024 in Game 6 of the Metropolitan Division Finals will be etched in Rangers playoff lore. It sent them to the Eastern Conference Finals.

I’ll never forget his clutch tying goal with time winding down with the Rangers facing elimination against the Washington Capitals in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on May 8, 2015. That goal allowed captain Ryan McDonagh to win the game in overtime. The Rangers came back to take the series in seven to advance to their second straight Eastern Conference Finals. Being in the building for that moment was special.

Kreider Closing in On Milestones

In a 14-year career, Kreider has been a consistent finisher, scoring 20 or more in 11 seasons. That includes a career best 52 in 2021-22, 36 in 2022-23, and 39 in 2023-24.

He’s closing in on some milestones. Kreider currently has 348 goals. He needs 52 to reach 400. He’s also played in 958 games. If he signs with a new team and plays in 42 this season, he’ll reach 1,000 games for his career.

Wherever he winds up, Kreider will have plenty of fans following him.