After 13 glorious seasons and a deep emotional bond with the New York Rangers, Chris Kreider is officially starting a new chapter, this time on the West Coast with the Anaheim Ducks.
The trade marks the end of an era for the Rangers and a significant veteran addition for a rebuilding Ducks, eager to find leadership and experience.
Chris Kreider Reflects on His Time with the New York Rangers
For the first time in his professional career, Kreider is wearing different colors. On Thursday, the Rangers traded the veteran winger to the Ducks, ending a 13-season run that began when the Rangers drafted him 19th overall in the 2009 NHL Draft.
The trade package included Kreider and a 2025 fourth-round pick heading to the Ducks in exchange for center prospect Carey Terrance and a 2025 third-round pick. The Ducks also took on the remaining two years of Kreider’s $6.5 million contract in full, without any salary retention.
Kreider, 34, is still productive and brings considerable experience to a Ducks team full of young talent. Last season, he notched 22 goals in 68 games, proof that he still has plenty to contribute at the NHL level.
For the memories, the leadership + showing what it means to be a New York Ranger.
Thank you for everything, Kreids. pic.twitter.com/h9YFQpVpA1
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) June 12, 2025
Kreider had to waive his 15-team no-trade clause to make the move happen. He made it clear in his first comments after the trade that it wasn’t a decision he took lightly.
“There was a lot of communication from Rangers’ management, Chris Drury in particular, about where they stood,” Kreider said, “It was done in a really respectful fashion by the Rangers.”
“You go through a pretty wide array of emotions. I think at the end of the day the most consistent thing is gratitude,” he continued. “I feel incredibly lucky to have played for the Rangers for as long as I did.”
From his glorious college ice hockey run with the Boston College Eagles to becoming a leader in a big-market franchise, Kreider said his journey with the Rangers was both fast-moving and unforgettable.
“To have made the kind of friendships and relationships my family and I have through playing for the Rangers… those are friends I’ll have for life.”
When trade rumors started to swirl in April, Kreider had spoken openly about his close bond with the Rangers organization and the city of New York. “This is home for me,” Kreider said at the time.
He continued, “This is the organization that gave me the opportunity to live out my dreams. I’ve developed so many incredible relationships, and grown up, and spent so much time in this area.”
His departure leaves a leadership gap in the Rangers, but for the Ducks, it’s a gain in every sense, on the ice and in the locker room. Kreider now joins a group of familiar faces in Anaheim, including former Rangers teammates Jacob Trouba, Ryan Strome, and Frank Vatrano. The familiarity should help Kreider transition smoothly into his new role.
The Ducks are currently in the middle of a rebuild, and while their roster leans young, they’ve made it clear they value veteran voices like Kreider’s to guide the next generation. As GM Pat Verbeek pointed out, Kreider’s inclusion could help the Ducks navigate existing problems. “Chris Kreider is the type of player we were looking to add this offseason.”
Further emphasizing the success of the trade, he highlighted why Kreider was an acquistion like none other, saying, “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.”
Despite a slightly quieter 2023–24 season, where he tallied 22 goals in 68 games, Kreider remains a proven performer with 582 career points. His combination of experience, physicality, and scoring touch could prove valuable for a Ducks team aiming to take the next step in its rebuild.