With the Anaheim Ducks mutually agreeing to terminate Chris Kreider's contract, where will the 35-year-old end up for the start of the 2026-27 season?
On Wednesday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that the Anaheim Ducks are expected to place forward Chris Kreider on waivers for the purposes of contract termination.
This is a significant development for the Ducks, as they are now set to free up $6.5 million of cap space. With this, that should free up the money for them to re-sign restricted free agent Cutter Gauthier.
Friedman also reported that Kreider's wish is to return to the Eastern Conference and that the big winger will not report if he gets claimed by a team that he does not want to play for.
With this information, let's look at four potential landing spots for Kreider.
Boston Bruins
Could the Bruins finally bring Kreider to Boston? They have long been viewed as a potential landing spot for the Boxford, Massachusetts native, and it would make for a cool story to see him become a Bruin.
After losing Viktor Arvidsson to the Detroit Red Wings in free agency, the Bruins could use another top-six winger, even with them adding JJ Peterka earlier this summer. Kreider would be an upgrade over Casey Mittelstadt on the Bruins' second line left wing spot, so there could be a match here.
Buffalo Sabres
After moving on from Alex Tuch this off-season, it would not be too surprising if the Buffalo Sabres made a push for Kreider. Like Tuch, Kreider is a big winger with offensive skill, so adding him would not be a bad thing for a Sabres club that is looking to prove last season was not a fluke.
If he officially hits the free-agent market, Kreider could be a strong short-term addition to a Sabres club that could use another impactful winger in their top nine.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning are another team that should be watched when it comes to Kreider. They could use another winger to solidify their top six, and Kreider could be a strong fit on their roster because of it.
If the Lightning brought in Kreider, he could slot nicely on their second line with Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli. He would give Tampa Bay's top six a power forward who can score, which is something that it could use right now.
Carolina Hurricanes
Could the reigning Stanley Cup champs make a push for Kreider? The possibility should not be ruled out.
Kreider could be an excellent addition to the Carolina Hurricanes' middle six and power play if successfully brought in. He would have the potential to give Carolina more secondary scoring and experience, which would be good for a Hurricanes club that will be looking to repeat as champions in 2026-27.
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