Ducks to Place Chris Kreider on Waivers for Contract Termination Amid Salary-Cap Crunch
The Anaheim Ducks are expected to place veteran forward Chris Kreider on unconditional waivers for the purpose of contract termination, a move designed to alleviate the team’s sudden salary-cap constraints. The decision comes with Kreider’s approval, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation.
Kreider Seeks Return to East Coast
Once he clears waivers, Kreider will become an unrestricted free agent. Sources indicate the 33-year-old winger prefers to return to the Eastern Conference, closer to family and the region where he spent the first 13 seasons of his NHL career with the New York Rangers. He has reportedly informed teams that he will not report if claimed by a club he does not wish to join.
Contract Details and Market Interest
Kreider has one season remaining on his current deal, which carries a $6.5 million salary-cap hit. However, only $4 million in actual cash remains due after a signing bonus was paid on July 1. That reduced financial commitment is expected to generate interest from contending teams seeking secondary scoring and playoff experience.
Cap Pressure Forces Ducks’ Hand
General Manager Pat Verbeek’s cap flexibility evaporated rapidly this offseason. The Ducks were forced to match an $18 million offer sheet for restricted free agent Leo Carlsson, while a looming extension for 41-goal scorer Cutter Gauthier further strained the budget. Verbeek explored trade options but found the market unappealing.
Sources indicate he “did not like the trade options presented to him, specifically ‘sweeteners’ he might have to include to get it done.”
Uncommon Path for a Productive Player
Contract termination via waivers has grown more common over the past year, yet it remains rare for a player coming off a 50-point season — as Kreider did in 2023-24 — to exit via this route. The next 48 hours will determine whether a team claims him or he hits the open market as a free agent.
