Overview
- The Ducks placed Kreider on unconditional waivers with his approval and terminated his contract after he went unclaimed, making him an unrestricted free agent.
- Anaheim framed the decision as a salary-cap maneuver to create space for a new deal for 22-year-old Cutter Gauthier, who led the team with 41 goals last season.
- The club’s cap pressure stemmed from matching Philadelphia’s large five-year offer sheet for Leo Carlsson earlier this summer, which raised Carlsson’s AAV to $18 million.
- Reports say Kreider prefers to return to the Eastern Conference and would not report to a claimed team he dislikes, and several East teams have already been linked as potential suitors.
- The move cleared immediate cap room without Anaheim giving up prospects or picks in a trade, but it also raises questions about veteran retention and how the Ducks will attract experienced free agents going forward.