The Anaheim Ducks moved to place forward Chris Kreider on waivers on Tuesday, effectively terminating the remaining year of his contract and clearing $6.5 million in salary‑cap space, according to an AP source.
Kreider, a 14‑year veteran of the National Hockey League, completed his inaugural season with the Ducks after signing a multi‑year deal last summer. The contract, which runs through the 2026‑27 season, carries a cap hit that the club deemed unsustainable given its current roster constraints.
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By putting Kreider on waivers, the Ducks give other NHL teams a chance to claim the player and assume the remaining salary. If unclaimed, the contract is terminated and the cap relief is realized. The move signals Anaheim’s intent to re‑tool its roster ahead of the upcoming trade deadline and address depth issues on the wing.
Kreider’s tenure with the Ducks has been modest; he recorded 12 points in 45 games during his first season, a drop from his production with the New York Rangers where he was a regular top‑six forward. The cap‑saving maneuver aligns with the Ducks’ broader strategy of shedding higher‑priced contracts to create flexibility for younger talent and potential acquisitions.
The decision also reflects the broader league trend of teams leveraging waivers to manage cap constraints, especially as the NHL approaches a new collective bargaining agreement period. Analysts note that the Ducks could still explore trade options for Kreider before the deadline, but the waiver placement underscores the urgency of freeing space.
