Chris Kreider Becomes Unrestricted Free Agent After Ducks Contract Termination

Overview

• Kreider and the Anaheim Ducks agreed to a mutual contract termination that removed his $6.5 million cap hit and made him an unrestricted free agent.
• Kreider prefers to sign with an Eastern Conference team but is open to offers leaguewide, his agent has told reporters.
• Insiders list multiple Eastern playoff clubs as realistic suitors, with Boston, Buffalo, the New York Islanders and Pittsburgh frequently named among the leading fits.
• At 35 years old and coming off a 22-goal, 28-assist season with strong power-play production, Kreider is expected to pursue a short-term deal, likely a one-year contract with performance incentives or a brief multi-year pact.
• Kreider forfeited roughly $4 million by ending the Ducks contract and his decision is expected quickly because NHL training camps and preseason start within days.