Chris Kreider's days as a New York Ranger appear to be numbered according to the latest report from NHL Insider Frank Seravalli.
Sources say #NYR and #NHLDucks are in advanced discussions on a deal that would send Chris Kreider to Orange County.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 11, 2025
No semantics: there is NO DEAL at this moment in time.
But there is interest - and a framework. Both teams had other irons in the fire today. We'll see on Wed.
Kreider is coming off a down year in which he finished with just 22 goals and 8 assists for 30 points in 68 games. A year prior he was on top of the world for the Blueshirts with another near career year in which he finished with 39 goals, 36 assists, and 75 points in 82 games played.
Kreider is in the sixth year of a seven year contract extension, and carries a cap hit of $6.5 million. Based on what the team is attempting to accomplish, it is no surprise they are in talks to move the veteran winger to free up additional cap space to have more flexibility to make additional improvements this offseason.
I’m hearing the same. Don’t want to put any names out there without confirmation, but framework is prospect and a pick coming back to #NYR with Ducks taking Kreider’s full $6.5M AAV. https://t.co/Hy70mUDXV9
— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) June 11, 2025
Moving the full $6.5 million would suggest that the Rangers have eyes on where that money could go, which would sync up with Seravalli's comment about the team having other irons in the fire. The Rangers have a number of different needs that they want to address this offseason, and as tough as it will be to see Kreider go, it is understandable why this move is happening now.
Kreider does have a partial no-trade clause, and the fact that things have gotten to this point suggests that he's fine with moving on to Anaheim which makes sense given that former Rangers like Jacob Trouba, Ryan Strome, and Frank Vatrano are there which would make the transition easier.
This story is still in very early stages, so be sure to check back for more information as it becomes available.