The New York Rangers knew they had to make some changes after finishing six points out of a playoff spot in 2024-25. It started when they fired Peter Laviolette, but something had to change in their core as well, which led them to seek out a trade for Chris Kreider. The Anaheim Ducks emerged as a possible landing spot, but the final hurdle was to get the veteran to waive his no-trade clause.
It would've been hard for Kreider to stay with the Rangers, knowing that the team had no interest in keeping him on the roster. There could be worse spots than sunny California to end his career, which is why he decided to waive the clause and allow Chris Drury to get the deal done.
The Rangers and Ducks agreed on a deal that would send Kreider and a mid-round draft pick to Anaheim for prospect Casey Terrance and a mid-round pick, via Elliotte Friedman.
The return might seem underwhelming for Rangers fans, but it's the best they can get after a 45-point dropoff. Kreider had 75 points in 82 games in 2023-24, but New York failed to capitalize on the value, and is now in the position of having to move him after a 30 in 68 season.
It could be a bitter pill to swallow after Kreider spent the first 14 years of his career on Broadway, but the Rangers had to make some changes to move forward under new head coach Mike Sullivan.