Rangers Trade Chris Kreider to Ducks, Ushering in New Era in Anaheim

Chris Kreider is set to join the Anaheim Ducks, marking the end of his tenure with the New York Rangers. This trade concludes Kreider's time with the Rangers after over a decade as the team's longest-tenured player.

The trade, finalized on Thursday, saw the Rangers receive center prospect Carey Terrance and a third-round pick from the Ducks. In return, the Rangers sent Kreider and a fourth-round pick, along with valuable salary cap space for the upcoming summer.

Rangers general manager Chris Drury expressed gratitude for Kreider's contributions, highlighting his role in significant moments in Rangers history. Kreider, at 34, agreed to waive his no-trade clause to facilitate the move. He joins a growing list of experienced players in Anaheim, bolstering the team's young core under new coach Joel Quenneville.

Ducks GM Pat Verbeek emphasized Kreider's desirable qualities, including size, speed, and performance in crucial moments. Verbeek also noted Kreider's ability to improve the team's special teams units.

This trade marks Drury's initial roster adjustment of the offseason, following a disappointing season where the team missed the playoffs. Kreider joins former Rangers captain Jacob Trouba in Southern California, who was traded to the Ducks in December.

The Ducks' roster also includes former New York forwards Ryan Strome and Frank Vatrano. The team is aiming to break a seven-year playoff drought.

Kreider departs the Rangers as the franchise leader in playoff goals and ranks third in regular-season goal-scoring. He spent his entire 13-season career with New York after being drafted in 2009.

Kreider, a Massachusetts native, has two years remaining on his contract with an annual salary cap hit of $6.5 million. This move provides Drury with financial flexibility to pursue free agents this summer, as the team looks to improve after changing coaches, hiring Mike Sullivan.