Chris Kreider set to be waived by Anaheim Ducks

Anaheim are set to place Chris Kreider on unconditional waivers with the aim of terminating his contract, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman reported. The move has been agreed with the forward.

Kreider joined Anaheim in a trade from the New York Rangers in June 2025, ending a run of 14 seasons with the club he had played for since the start of his career. Last term he posted 50 points (22 goals, 28 assists) in 75 regular-season games, adding further output across 12 play-off matches.

Waivers would clear him to sign as an unrestricted free agent once he goes unclaimed, and He has made clear he will not report if another club claims him off waivers against his wishes.

Anaheim's cap trouble traces back to two moves: matching Leo Carlsson's $18m offer sheet and an approaching extension for Cutter Gauthier, who scored 41 goals last season. General manager Pat Verbeek reportedly baulked at trade packages that would have required attaching extra assets, leaving waivers as the preferred route. Kreider is owed $4m of his $6.5m cap hit this season, the rest already paid out as a signing bonus on 1 July.

The NHL season opens on 29 September.