Cast Away by Rangers, Chris Kreider Brings Valuable Veteran Experience to Ducks

That image is still a little jarring for diehard Rangers fans, who expected Kreider to finish his career at Madison Square Garden – and there was talk of his No. 20 being raised to the rafters. 

Yet, as the 2024-25 season unfolded, it seemed inevitable that Kreider and the Rangers would part ways this summer. It was a lost season for the 39-36-7 Blueshirts, who missed the playoffs for the first time since 2021.

Rangers general manager Chris Drury has altered the Blueshirts’ core over multiple seasons. Alternate captain Barclay Goodrow was waived last summer, captain Jacob Trouba was traded to the Ducks last December and longtime alternate captain Kreider was sent to Anaheim this summer.

On June 12, the Rangers sent Kreider and a 2025 fourth-round pick to the Ducks for 20-year-old center Carey Terrance and a 2025 third-round pick.

Kreider recorded 30 points (22 goals, eight assists) in 68 games during his final season in New York. Over 883 regular season games, he posted 582 (326 goals, 256 assists) points as a Blueshirt.

SoCal represents a fresh start for Kreider. The 34-year-old joins former Ranger castaways Trouba, Ryan Strome and Frank Vatrano at Honda Center.

The Ducks have failed to make the playoffs for seven straight seasons. That could change after Anaheim installed three-time Stanley Cup champion head coach Joel Quenneville behind the bench.

Quenneville will lean on Kreider as part of Anaheim’s veteran core. If the Ducks can qualify for the postseason, Kreider’s experience will come in handy. The Boxford, Massachusetts native skated in 123 playoff games for the Rangers and registered 76 points (48 goals, 28 assists).