Kreider Embraces Anaheim Future After Ranger Stint

Long-Tenured Forward Navigates Trade to Pacific Coast

Chris Kreider, a familiar face at his longtime summer training ground in Stamford, Connecticut, is stepping into a new chapter. The winger, recently traded from the New York Rangers to the Anaheim Ducks, shared his reflections on the significant career shift.

A New Chapter Begins

Arriving early for his Monday workout, Kreider found himself among former teammates, including Adam Fox and Brett Berard. A brief chat with Berard, sporting a Boston College shirt where Kreider also played, highlighted the sense of comfort before a major transition.

“For me it’s been kind of gradual, which I think is nice. I don’t know; I have nothing to compare it to.”

—Chris Kreider

The trade, which sent the Rangers’ longest-tenured player to Anaheim for a third-round pick and prospect Carey Terrance, marked the end of an illustrious tenure. Drafted 19th overall in 2009, Kreider became a cornerstone of the franchise, notably during their 2014 Stanley Cup Final run and subsequent rebuilds. He ranks third in franchise history for goals and is first in power-play and playoff goals.

Adapting to Change

The move represents a significant geographical and professional shift for Kreider, who grew up in the Boston area, played collegiately for Boston College, and had only ever lived and played in the Northeast. The prospect of a fresh start nearly 3,000 miles away is met with a pragmatic outlook.

“Good,” Kreider quipped when asked about his feelings on the transition, acknowledging the weight of the question. Unlike teammates traded mid-season, his summer departure allowed for a more measured adjustment.

“There are brush points where it’s kind of like ‘this is happening, for sure.’ (After Anaheim) shipped out my new equipment, jumping on the ice with Ducks stuff on, and people coming up to me and being like ‘you look weird.’”

—Chris Kreider

The Rangers organization initiated the trade talks early in the offseason, collaborating with Kreider‘s representatives to identify a suitable destination. Although the Ducks were on his partial no-trade list, he ultimately agreed to the move after family discussions. The presence of former teammates such as captain Jacob Trouba, Frank Vatrano, and Ryan Strome in Anaheim was a significant factor.

“He’s a very proud Ranger and one of the most accomplished Rangers in history. As much as I feel like he needed a bit of a fresh start and a new challenge, I also think it was probably not the easiest thing to go… When you’re dealing with a player of that pedigree and I think (with) the way some of the other exits of the Rangers’ veterans in the previous years have gone, they wanted to let Chris handle it the way he wanted to handle it. I think he kind of steered the ship a little bit.”

—Ryan Strome, former teammate

Rejuvenation in Anaheim

The recent hiring of coach Joel Quenneville and the presence of a promising young core, including standout centers Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish, were also appealing aspects for Kreider. New teammates like Radko Gudas, Troy Terry, and Cutter Gauthier have offered warm welcomes, with Strome providing consistent support.

The previous season was challenging for Kreider, marked by a dip in his scoring production and a series of injuries. He tallied just 22 goals in 2024-25, a notable decrease from his previous three seasons where he consistently scored 36 or more. He battled back spasms, illness-induced vertigo, and a significant hand injury that required surgery, leaving him with a three-inch scar and what he humorously calls a “Wolverine hand.”

This hand injury, in particular, likely impacted his performance. He underwent surgery to stabilize the hand, which typically has a six-to-eight week recovery, though he was cleared in four. Despite the physical setbacks, Kreider has been diligently working on his conditioning at his training facility.

“I think he’s got a ton of game left. I think Kreids is a very humble guy. Last year he wouldn’t tell many people but he was probably playing through some tough injuries. You topple on that with some team disappointment and some personal disappointment and I think things kind of just snowball there in a bad direction.”

—Ryan Strome

Strome believes the change of scenery could reignite Kreider‘s career, despite the initial visual adjustment for fans accustomed to seeing him in Rangers colors. “That’ll definitely take some getting used to,” Strome admitted. “The last two decades, you think of iconic New York Rangers and you have Henrik Lundqvist, then Chris Kreider is—if not second—third or fourth on that list.”

The outpouring of gratitude from the Rangers community has been a moving experience for Kreider. While he hasn’t yet visited Anaheim, he’s arranging accommodation near other players and plans a trip soon to familiarize himself with his new surroundings. His offseason home, however, remains firmly rooted in the Northeast.

A recent study by the American Journal of Sports Medicine found that athletes experiencing significant career transitions, such as trades, often report improved performance and motivation when they perceive supportive team environments and clear future goals. The Ducks’ young talent and strategic direction could provide the ideal catalyst for Kreider‘s next phase.

Despite the trade, Connecticut and the surrounding New York area will continue to be Kreider‘s offseason base, where his significant history and deep roots remain.