Chris Kreider’s decision to waive his no-trade clause and accept a trade from the New York Rangers to the Anaheim Ducks was a significant moment in his career and marked the end of a notable era in Rangers history. The trade, finalized on June 12, 2025, sent Kreider to Anaheim in exchange for forward prospect Carey Terrance and a 2025 third-round draft pick, with the Ducks absorbing Kreider’s full \$6.5 million cap hit for the next two seasons.
While the official reasons behind Kreider’s decision have not been publicly disclosed, several factors likely influenced his choice to waive the no-trade clause and facilitate the move to Anaheim.
First, Kreider’s long tenure with the Rangers had been marked by both personal and professional challenges. During the 2024–25 season, he battled recurring back spasms and a mysterious illness causing vertigo, which limited his performance and sidelined him for several games. Despite these setbacks, Kreider managed to tally 30 points in 68 games. However, tensions between Kreider and the Rangers’ management had been mounting, particularly following a leaked memo listing him as available for trade and a non-injury-related benching in December. These events may have contributed to Kreider’s decision to seek a fresh start with a new organization.
Second, the opportunity to join the Anaheim Ducks presented a chance for Kreider to reunite with former Rangers teammates Jacob Trouba and Ryan Strome, who had both been traded to Anaheim in recent months. This familiarity with existing team members could have been appealing to Kreider, offering a sense of continuity and camaraderie as he transitioned to a new team.
Third, the Ducks’ commitment to absorbing Kreider’s full salary cap hit for the next two seasons provided him with financial security and stability. This arrangement allowed Kreider to focus on his performance without the concern of potential salary cap constraints affecting his role or playing time.
While the specific reasons behind Chris Kreider’s decision to waive his no-trade clause remain private, the combination of personal challenges, the opportunity to reunite with former teammates, and financial considerations likely played significant roles in his choice to facilitate the trade to the Anaheim Ducks.
