Contract Termination Via Waivers
Anaheim Ducks and Chris Kreider Expected to Terminate Contract Through Waivers
Anonymous
Key Points
1
Kreider is owed only $4 million in actual salary after receiving a signing bonus on July 1, despite carrying a $6.5 million cap hit for the remaining season of his contract.
2
Kreider has indicated he would not report to a claiming team if the destination did not match his preferences, adding uncertainty to the waiver process.
3
Cutter Gauthier’s potential extension is being compared with Connor Bedard’s $15 million annual contract, and Anaheim would need to create nearly $6 million in cap space to reach that figure—roughly the amount cleared by terminating Kreider’s deal.
4
Kreider also contributed two goals and seven points in 12 playoff games for Anaheim last season, in addition to his 22-goal, 50-point regular-season performance.
5
Anaheim’s decision to match Carlsson’s offer sheet avoided losing its young No. 1 center for only a package of draft compensation, but the move created significant downstream pressure on the club’s ability to retain Gauthier.
The Anaheim Ducks are placing veteran forward Chris Kreider on waivers to terminate his contract, Reuters reported. The 35-year-old agreed to the move and plans to become an unrestricted free agent. Kreider wants to return to the Eastern Conference to be closer to his family.
Anaheim explored trading Kreider but refused to add extra assets to sweeten the deal. The waiver move clears roughly $6 million in salary cap space — money the Ducks need to extend restricted free agent Cutter Gauthier after matching Leo Carlsson's $18 million offer sheet.
A Veteran Forward's Final Season Gets Cut Short
Kreider scored 22 goals and 50 points in 75 games last season for Anaheim, The Score reported. He also added two goals and seven points in 12 playoff games. The 35-year-old is owed $4 million in actual salary for the remainder of his contract, though he carries a $6.5 million salary-cap hit.
Ducks Prioritize Youth Over Veteran Payroll
The Ducks matched Leo Carlsson's $18 million offer sheet to keep their young No. 1 center, iHeart Sports reported. That move locked up Carlsson but created cap pressure. Now Anaheim must extend Cutter Gauthier, a restricted free agent whose contract could rival Connor Bedard's $15 million annual deal.
Gauthier's extension could cost up to $15 million per year. Terminating Kreider frees roughly $6 million in cap space — enough breathing room to make the Gauthier deal happen. Without the waiver move, Anaheim would struggle to afford both young stars.
Kreider's Free-Agency Choice Adds Waiver Uncertainty
The Sports Animal noted that Kreider has made clear he will not report to a claiming team unless the destination suits his preferences. This gives the veteran leverage even on waivers. If no team claims him and meets his Eastern Conference requirement, he becomes a free agent to sign anywhere.
Kreider would become one of the most prominent free agents available if he clears waivers. His combination of playoff experience, veteran leadership, and Eastern Conference preference makes him valuable to contenders near the trade deadline or beyond.
Cap Crunch Forces Tough Roster Decisions
The Ducks face a difficult salary-cap situation after defending Carlsson. Matching his offer sheet cost them flexibility. Gauthier's extension will demand elite-level money. The Kreider waiver move signals management will shed veteran salary to invest in young talent.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativeNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
37
Articles
387
Reach
424
Topics
A
AnonymousAuthor
