Chris Kreider is headed toward a contract exit in Anaheim, leaving Joel Quenneville with one fewer veteran option up front.
The Ducks are expected to place Kreider on waivers for the purpose of terminating the final year of his contract. The move is being made with Kreider's approval.
Once Kreider clears waivers, he would become an unrestricted free agent and gain control over where his career goes next.
The veteran winger wants to return east and be closer to family after spending his first 13 NHL seasons with the New York Rangers.
Kreider also has leverage in the process. He has indicated he would not report if claimed by a team he does not want to join.
There is already interest in the winger, creating the possibility that his next stop could come together quickly once the waiver process is complete.
Anaheim chooses cap flexibility over a trade
The bigger story for Anaheim is financial. Kreider carries a $6.5 million cap hit for the coming season, with $4 million in cash remaining after his July 1 signing bonus.
General manager Pat Verbeek needed to create room after the Ducks matched Leo Carlsson's $18 million offer sheet while also facing a future extension decision with Cutter Gauthier.
A trade was explored, but the available options were not attractive enough. Anaheim did not want to attach extra assets simply to move the contract.
That pushed contract termination to the front of the board and gives Verbeek a cleaner path to reshape the roster without paying another team to take Kreider.
For Quenneville, the move removes an experienced power forward who produced 50 points last season and could still handle a meaningful role around the net.
For Kreider, it opens the door to choosing a better personal and hockey fit rather than spending the season in a situation he no longer wants.
Anaheim gets the flexibility it needs. Kreider gets control of his next destination. And a recognizable veteran is suddenly headed toward the open market.
Should Chris Kreider return to an Eastern Conference contender?
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