Chris Kreider has waived his no-trade clause, allowing the New York Rangers to officially send the veteran forward to the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday.
The Blueshirts and Anaheim had been in advanced talks in recent days, agreeing to a framework for a deal, but the 34-year-old’s 15-team no-trade list had to be amended to facilitate the deal.
“We want to thank Chris Kreider for all of his contributions to the Rangers organization over his stellar career,” 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.”
While New York is also sending a 2025 fourth-round draft pick, they are receiving forward Carey Tarrence and a 2025 third-round pick. The 20-year-old captained the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League this season, recording 20 goals with 19 assists in 45 games.
Kreider, who was drafted in the first round by the Blueshirts in 2009, played 13 seasons in New York, where he developed into one of the franchise’s greatest scorers. He set a franchise record in 2021-22 with 52 goals, then followed it up with seasons of 36 and 39 tallies.
A back injury and an illness that induced vertigo-like symptoms derailed his 2024-25 campaign, as he was limited to just 22 goals and eight assists in 68 games. It was a disastrous campaign overall for the Rangers, who failed to make the playoffs just one year after winning the Presidents’ Trophy.
Their start was so poor that Drury sent a league-wide memo to general managers stating that his team was open for business on the trade market, and Kreider’s name was at the forefront.
Drury was able to unload notable names like former captain Jacob Trouba, who will reunite with Kreider in Anaheim, and Kaapo Kakko, who was dealt to the Seattle Kraken.
Head coach Peter Laviolette was fired shortly after the season, and long-time Pittsburgh Penguins bench boss Mike Sullivan was brought in as his successor.
Trading Kreider further indicates that the Rangers are on the cusp of a new era, but his name will be littered across the franchise record books for quite some time.
His 326 goals rank third in team history, while his 48 playoff goals rank No. 1. He also ranks in the Rangers’ top 10 in power-play goals (tied for first), game-winning goals (second), shorthanded goals (fourth), games played (eighth), and points (10th).
