Chris Kreider's Likely Destination Emerges After Ducks Waive Veteran

“According to several sources, Kreider has indicated he desires to return east, closer to family where he spent the first 13 years of his career, and will not report if claimed somewhere he prefers not to play,” Friedman reported.

The Ducks’ decision to part ways with Kreider had the player’s approval and will make him an unrestricted free agent after he clears waivers. Friedman added that the 35-year-old forward is already getting interest across the league.

“There definitely is interest,” Friedman reported. “He has this season remaining on his current contract, at a $6.5 million cap hit, but only $4 million in cash still due after being paid a signing bonus on July 1.”

The former first-round pick has appeared in 958 regular-season NHL games, producing 348 goals, 284 assists and 632 points. Although Kreider’s best years are in the rearview mirror, the forward’s 50 points last year marked a bounce-back from his prior season when he topped out at 30.

Kreider’s specific preferred team remains unclear, but his stated desire to move east and reported interest from other clubs point toward an Eastern Conference return once he reaches unrestricted free agency.