After spending 13 seasons with the New York Rangers, Chris Kreider has officially moved on, joining the Anaheim Ducks this summer in a notable transition. This change marks a significant shift in Kreider’s career, as the 34-year-old winger leaves the team where he spent his entire NHL career since his 2012 debut, aiming to start fresh and embrace new challenges.

The move to Anaheim not only involves adapting to a new jersey but redefining his identity as a player, especially after being a cornerstone of the Rangers franchise for over a decade.

Details and Impact of Chris Kreider’s Move to Anaheim Ducks

Kreider’s trade to the Ducks was not sudden; it followed months of speculation amid the Rangers’ struggles late in the previous season. Unlike a contentious split, this transition was marked by mutual respect, with both Kreider and the Rangers organization agreeing it was time to part ways.

In exchange for Kreider, the Rangers acquired a third-round draft pick and young prospect Carey Terrance. The official trade was confirmed via social media, highlighting that Kreider waived his no-trade clause to facilitate the deal.

The Rangers are trading Chris Kreider and a mid-round pick to the Ducks for Carey Terrance and a mid-round pick, per @FriedgeHNIC. Kreider has waived his no-trade clause to go to Anaheim. pic.twitter.com/dAR4bsnaYh

—Sportsnet

This trade offers immediate advantages for both franchises. Anaheim receives a seasoned forward with a history of playoff performances and leadership qualities. Kreider reconnects with former Rangers teammates Ryan Strome and Frank Vatrano and will now play alongside rising stars like Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish, fostering a blend of experience and youth on the Ducks’ roster.

However, the transition follows a difficult 2024-25 season for Kreider, who entered the year on the heels of three consecutive 36-plus-goal campaigns but faced multiple health challenges that hindered his on-ice contributions.

Challenges During Kreider’s Difficult 2024-25 Season

Early in the season, Kreider was troubled by persistent back spasms, which limited his availability. Later, he was sidelined by vertigo during the holiday stretch, further disrupting his rhythm. Just as he began to regain form in February, a hand injury sustained during a game in Buffalo forced another setback.

Chris Kreider said he dealt with back troubles early in the season, an illness that resulted in vertigo midseason, and then suffered a hand injury the first game after 4 Nations. His hand might require surgery.

—Peter Baugh

Kreider described the slow recovery process as frustrating, explaining,

One little push and it was just back to square one,

referring to the repeated difficulties in regaining full health.

Ultimately, the hand injury required surgery, leaving Kreider with a scar and metal implants. Demonstrating his determination, he returned to training ahead of schedule despite the lost playing time, signaling his commitment to overcoming these obstacles.

Adjusting to Life and Hockey with the Anaheim Ducks

Leaving the Rangers, where Kreider was drafted in 2009 and grew into a key leader recognized by wearing the alternate captain’s “A,” was an emotional and complex process. Kreider acknowledged how unusual it felt stepping onto the ice in Ducks gear for the first time, noting the gradual nature of the transition helped ease the adjustment.

For me it’s been kind of gradual, which I think is nice, I don’t know; I have nothing to compare it to. There are brush points where it’s kind of like ‘this is happening, for sure.’ (After Anaheim) shipped out my new equipment, jumping on the ice with Ducks stuff on, and people coming up to me and being like ‘you look weird.’

—Chris Kreider

The move was reportedly influenced in part by the presence of Ducks coach Joel Quenneville, whose leadership and reputation factored into Kreider’s decision to embrace this next step.

Now focused on recovery and improving his game, Kreider is prepared to bring his experience to a young, promising Ducks team. Both the player and organization are hopeful this change will spark a renewed sense of purpose and a successful comeback as he reinvents himself within a fresh environment.