Chris Kreider clears the air to New York Rangers fans on waiving his No-Trade Clause to join the Anaheim Ducks this past Thursday, after spending the entirety of his career with the Rangers organization.![Chris Kreider with the Rangers]()
Chris Kreider had spent the last 13-seasons with the New York Rangers organization after he was drafted by them back in 2009, and quickly became a fan favourite due to his talent of the ice.
However, his time in New York is unfortunately over as his name was surrounded in several trade rumors since the end of the 2024-25 season, as he dealt with numerous injuries, along with have a down year in production.
To many it wasn't clear is Chris Kreider's relationship with the New York Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury was in jeopardy after the disappointing upcoming of the 2024-25 season, as the Rangers failed to make the playoffs just a year after being the President Trophy winners.
According to Chris Kreider, there was plenty of transparency from Chris Drury about his trade and his intentions since the start of the offseason, and that there are no hard feelings between the two parties in terms of how the situation unfolded.
Here's what Chris Kreider had to say:
«I think so. There's no point of reference for me. I've been lucky enough to have been with the Rangers for 13 years, so I've never been in a trade,» Kreider said. «I don't think it's super common to be afforded the time to kind of do my due diligence and kind of go through that emotional spectrum. I think it was done in a really respectful fashion by the New York Rangers, and I'm very appreciative of that.»
The 34-year-old forward had a 15-team no-trade clause in his contract, so finding an ideal fit was a long process for Kreider, but after much needed time he made the final decision on being traded to the Anaheim Ducks.
Here's Kreider's explanation on picking the Anaheim Ducks:
«I did have to waive my no-trade,» said Kreider. «When we sat down and Drury communicated to us that he was looking to free up cap space and that I could potentially be traded, we were allowed to go out and look at some teams and kind of do our due diligence. I think it's a great fit. I think it's a team that's on the come-up, that has a wealth of talent, youth, veteran presence, speed, and size.
«It's a group that I think can win hockey games and make a push to make the playoffs. With the addition of Quenneville and his staff, that's a massive draw for me as well. It certainly helps knowing some of the guys on that team and kind of being able to get a look behind the curtain.»
«It's a group that I think can win hockey games and make a push to make the playoffs. With the addition of Quenneville and his staff, that's a massive draw for me as well. It certainly helps knowing some of the guys on that team and kind of being able to get a look behind the curtain.»
On behalf of everyone here at NY Rangers Insider we'd like to wish Kreider nothing but the best on his new journey with the Ducks, and thank you for everything you have done for the Rangers.
