Rangers trade Kreider to Ducks

The New York Rangers traded veteran winger Chris Kreider and a 2025 fourth-round pick to the Anaheim Ducks for forward prospect Carey Terrance and a 2025 third-round pick, the teams announced Thursday.

The third-rounder was originally owned by the Toronto Maple Leafs. The fourth-rounder is the Ducks' own selection. The Rangers move up 15 spots in the draft as a result of the pick swap.

It was first reported Tuesday night that the Rangers and Ducks were in advanced discussions about a trade for Kreider. Anaheim was reportedly on Kreider's 15-team no-trade list, but he waived Thursday to approve the deal.

The Ducks are taking on the entirety of Kreider's contract. He's signed for two more years with an average annual value of $6.5 million.

The 34-year-old battled injuries in 2024-25 and arguably experienced some age-related decline. He recorded 22 goals and eight assists in 68 games, marking his least productive season on a per-game basis since his 23-game debut campaign in 2012-13.

Kreider, known for his straight-line speed, ferocious forechecking ability, and net-front prowess, potted 39 goals the year prior, 36 goals in 2022-23, and a career-high 52 goals in 2021-22.

A first-round pick by the Rangers in 2009, Kreider ranks eighth in franchise history in games played (883) and third in goals (326). His 123 playoff games and 48 postseason goals are the most in club history. It's possible his No. 20 will one day hang from the rafters at Madison Square Garden.

"We want to thank Chris Kreider for all of his contributions to the Rangers organization over his stellar career," Rangers general manager Chris Drury said. "Chris has been an integral part of some of the most iconic moments in Rangers history, including setting multiple franchise records and helping the team advance to the 2014 Stanley Cup Final.

"His leadership on the ice and tireless efforts in the community - which he was recognized for as the inaugural recipient of the Rod Gilbert 'Mr. Ranger' Award - only add to his distinguished Rangers legacy. Chris will always be a Ranger and we wish him and his family all the best."

The Rangers, who missed the playoffs a year after winning the Presidents' Trophy, needed to shed salary this offseason. They only had $8.4 million in cap space prior to trading Kreider, and key restricted free agents Will Cuylle and K'Andre Miller are in need of new deals, along with roster holes to fill.

Kreider was included in a memo that Drury sent to other GMs in November in an effort shake up his team. Captain Jacob Trouba was also included in the memo and was eventually dealt to the Ducks as well.

Ryan Strome, another of Kreider's former Rangers teammates, is under contract with the Ducks for two more seasons.

The Ducks are loaded with cap space following a season in which they enjoyed a 21-point improvement. Even after adding Kreider, they have about $32 million remaining, though pending RFAs Mason McTavish and Lukas Dostal are in line for significant pay raises.

"Chris Kreider is the type of player we were looking to add this offseason," Ducks GM Pat Verbeek said. "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, something we really needed to address."

Anaheim selected Terrance in the second round in 2023. The 20-year-old center produced 20 goals and 19 assists in 45 games with the OHL's Erie Otters last season. He hails from Akwesasne, New York - about a six-hour drive north of Manhattan. Terrance won a gold medal with the United States at the 2025 World Junior Championship, contributing two goals in seven games.