Could this transaction mark the beginning of something significant?
This question applies to both the Anaheim Ducks and the New York Rangers following the first major trade of the offseason. On Thursday, the Rangers traded Chris Kreider and a 2025 fourth-round draft pick to the Ducks in exchange for center prospect Carey Terrance and a 2025 third-round draft pick.
Here is an analysis of the trade`s implications for both franchises and an assessment of their performance in the deal.
New York Rangers
The Rangers needed to free up salary cap space. There were also questions surrounding the player`s production and the possibility of finding a replacement elsewhere.
Overall, numerous factors contributed to the Rangers` decision to part ways with Chris Kreider.
Kreider consistently scored 20 or more goals for seven consecutive seasons and ten times in his career. While this consistency was a hallmark, it also became a factor suggesting a move from New York was probable.
Kreider, who turned 34 in late April, finished the recent season with 22 goals, a decrease from the previous three seasons where he averaged 36+ goals and 69 points. This season, he tallied 30 points in 68 games, averaging 0.44 points per game.
With two years remaining on his contract at an annual value of $6.5 million, the financial aspect became a key consideration for the Rangers.
Star goaltender Igor Shesterkin`s new contract, beginning in 2025-26, significantly increases his salary from $5.67 million to $11.50 million annually. Additionally, in-season trades made by GM Chris Drury for Will Borgen and J.T. Miller added $12.1 million annually to the team`s cap obligations. Borgen signed a five-year extension worth $4.1 million annually, and Miller is in the second year of a seven-year deal earning $8 million per year.
These factors necessitated the Rangers finding solutions to manage their seven-player restricted free agent class, including players like K`Andre Miller, Zac Jones, Matthew Robertson, and Will Cuylle.
However, questions remain about how the team will replace Kreider`s offensive production.
This underscores the significance of signing Boston College winger Gabe Perreault in the spring. He provides a potential top-six option on a cost-effective contract, helping the Rangers create cap space to address their RFA needs and pursue other offseason objectives.
Following the trade, the Rangers now possess $14.922 million in cap space after shedding Kreider’s contract. This provides the front office with significantly more financial flexibility, and further moves could be on the horizon.
Acquiring Terrance, who signed with the Ducks in April, adds a center prospect to a system that appeared to need depth down the middle. Their other notable center prospects include Noah Laba, who signed after playing at Colorado College, and Dylan Roobroeck, who scored 20 goals in his first full AHL season.
Terrance, a 2023 second-round pick, recorded his third consecutive 20-goal season for the OHL`s Erie Otters, finishing with 39 points in 45 games. He also played for Team USA at the IIHF World Junior Championships, scoring twice in seven games before getting injured.
Anaheim Ducks
Rebuilds aim to improve a team`s position, with various paths leading to success. The Kreider trade signals the Ducks` commitment to their current strategy, which they believe will help them contend for a playoff spot or at least a wild-card position by the 2025-26 season.
While emphasizing drafting and development, the Ducks have also actively added respected veterans to support their young core. This group includes Radko Gudas, Alex Killorn, Frank Vatrano, and Kreider`s former Rangers teammate Jacob Trouba.
What does this mean for the Ducks` top-nine forward group? Kreider joins a mix of players including Sam Colangelo, Cutter Gauthier, Troy Terry, Killorn, and Vatrano. This acquisition provides the Ducks with proven goal-scoring ability and players who can contribute offensively in various ways.
This situation makes the Ducks both intriguing and potentially intimidating, depending on perspective. GM Pat Verbeek acquired a forward with a $6.5 million cap hit, yet the team still retains over $32.188 million in available cap space.
This significant cap flexibility could make Anaheim an attractive destination for free agents on July 1st.
Naturally, Verbeek must manage their resources wisely. Key young players like Lukas Dostal, Drew Helleson, and Mason McTavish are pending Restricted Free Agents requiring new contracts. Looking ahead to the following offseason, another group including Leo Carlsson, Jackson LaCombe, Pavel Mintyukov, Trevor Zegras, Olen Zellweger, and Gauthier will also need new deals concurrently.
Having many young talents on entry-level or inexpensive contracts provides significant financial flexibility. This enabled them to acquire Kreider for the price of a draft pick and prospect Terrance, who was deemed expendable given their current center depth in the NHL and prospect pool.
Since initiating their rebuild, the Ducks organization has prioritized making progress through various means. They`ve built one of the NHL`s most promising prospect pools and set high expectations for their young players, demonstrating an understanding of when to make significant moves like acquiring Kreider.
What comes next?
Finishing with 80 points for the first time since the 2018-19 season marks a critical juncture for the team. This progress partly explains their decision to replace head coach Greg Cronin after two seasons with Joel Quenneville, signaling their belief they can achieve more.
This understanding is crucial for competing in the challenging Western Conference. Alongside established contenders like the Edmonton Oilers, Dallas Stars, Vegas Golden Knights, and Colorado Avalanche, there are opportunities for other teams to make their mark.
The Seattle Kraken achieved this in their second season (2022-23). A year later, the Vancouver Canucks did the same in Rick Tocchet`s first full season (2023-24). This past season, the St. Louis Blues returned to the playoffs, while the Calgary Flames and Utah Hockey Club contended late into the regular season.
Anaheim finished 16 points shy of the final Western Conference wild-card spot. However, the Ducks` steady improvement and their significant offseason moves suggest they are ready to seriously challenge for a playoff berth.
Gareth Tenby