NHL

NHL News: Chris Kreider ends 13-season run with Rangers to begin a surprising new journey

After thirteen seasons with the New York Rangers, Chris Kreider is moving on and will play the 2025–26 NHL season with a new franchise.

Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers skates against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on April 10, 2025 in Elmont, New York.
© Getty ImagesChris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers skates against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on April 10, 2025 in Elmont, New York.

Chris Kreider is widely recognized as a New York Rangers legend, and in recent days, he’s been seriously considering his NHL future. Now 34 years old, the veteran forward is taking a significant turn in his career by deciding to leave the Big Apple franchise after 13 seasons.

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Kreider ranks third all-time in goals scored for the Rangers (326) and first in playoff goals (48). He also recorded 256 assists in 883 games with the New York franchise. In recent weeks, he never expressed any dissatisfaction with his situation, but it’s clear that the time has come to take on a new challenge.

Seeing Kreider wear a jersey other than the Rangers’ signals the end of an era. On the bright side, New York will gain some much-needed salary cap flexibility as they face the tough task of replacing one of their most iconic stars. What’s official now is that the veteran forward has found a new team.

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Kreider’s next stop in his NHL career

According to NHL insider Larry Brooks, Chris Kreider is headed to the Anaheim Ducks. The former Rangers forward agreed to waive his no-trade clause to move to his new city, becoming a valuable addition to Anaheim’s offense.

Chris Kreider 20 celebrates after scoring during the National Hockey League game

New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider 20 celebrates after scoring during the National Hockey League game between the New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers on March 4, 2021 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire NHL, Eishockey Herren, USA MAR 04 Rangers at Devils Icon2103041540

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The trade agreement between the Rangers and the Ducks sends talented prospect Carey Terrance and a 2025 third-round pick to New York. In return, Anaheim receives Kreider and a fourth-round pick, while taking on the full $6.5 million cap hit for the next two seasons.

Former Ducks HC Greg Cronin makes sincere confession about 3x Stanley Cup champ Joel Quenneville replacing him

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What Kreider brings to Anaheim

Kreider brings 13 years of NHL experience, all with the Rangers, and instantly becomes a key leadership figure in a young Ducks locker room that includes rising stars like Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish, and Cutter Gauthier. His professionalism makes him an ideal role model for the development of Anaheim’s young core.

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