The New York Rangers have parted ways with franchise icon Chris Kreider, trading the veteran winger to the Anaheim Ducks for prospect Carey Terrance and a draft pick swap. The deal, finalized Thursday after Kreider waived his no-trade clause, marks the end of a 13-year tenure for the Rangers’ longest-serving player.
Trade Details
- To Anaheim: Chris Kreider (full $6.5M AAV through 2026-27)
- To New York: C prospect Carey Terrance (2023 2nd-round pick), 2025 3rd-round pick (No. 89)
- Pick Swap: Ducks receive NYR’s 2025 4th-rounder (No. 104)
The move gives the Rangers $15M in cap space to address RFA signings (K’Andre Miller, Will Cuylle) while adding organizational depth at center. For Anaheim, it’s the latest aggressive push by GM Pat Verbeek, who has now acquired two ex-Rangers captains (Kreider, Jacob Trouba) in eight months.
Kreider’s Legacy in New York
The 34-year-old leaves as:
- 3rd all-time in Rangers goals (326)
- Co-holder of franchise power-play goals record (116)
- 2014 Stanley Cup Finalist and 2024 Eastern Conference Finalist
- Scorer of iconic playoff hat trick vs. Carolina (2024)
“This is home for me,” Kreider said emotionally after the season. His 2024-25 campaign (22G, 8A in 68 GP) was marred by injuries (back, hand) but followed three straight 36+ goal seasons, including a 52-goal outburst in 2021-22.
Ducks’ Win-Now Gambit
Anaheim bets Kreider can rebound as they accelerate their rebuild:
- Adds net-front presence to NHL’s 30th-ranked offense (217 goals)
- Joins Trouba, Ryan Strome in ex-Rangers contingent
- Doesn’t preclude pursuit of Mitch Marner in free agency
- Fits new coach Joel Quenneville’s veteran-heavy preference
“Kreider brings playoff pedigree and leadership we need,” Verbeek said in a statement. His 22 goals would’ve tied Mason McTavish for Anaheim’s team lead last season.
Rangers’ Youth Movement
President Chris Drury continues reshaping the core:
- Sheds $6.5M cap hit ahead of RFA negotiations
- Adds Terrance (39 pts in 45 OHL games) to thin center pipeline
- Follows December’s Trouba trade to Anaheim
Terrance, an Akwesasne, NY native ranked 10th in Anaheim’s system by The Athletic, projects as a potential bottom-six speed option.
What’s Next
- For Kreider: Reunites with former teammates in sunny California
- For Rangers: Focus shifts to Miller/Cuylle contracts
- For Ducks: Cap space ($32M remaining) allows more moves
The trade closes a chapter for both clubs—one prioritizing flexibility, the other chasing relevance. As Kreider said farewell to Broadway, Ducks fans welcomed a proven winner to their playoff push.
