Kreider free agent after having contract terminated by Ducks

Chris Kreider, 35, was released as an unrestricted free agent after the Anaheim Ducks terminated his contract on Thursday, one day after he went unclaimed on unconditional waivers. The Ducks cut Kreider, who had one season remaining on a seven-year, $45.5 million deal ($6.5 million AAV) originally signed with the New York Rangers in 2020, to create salary cap space needed to sign restricted free agent Cutter Gauthier, who led Anaheim with 41 goals and 69 points last season. Kreider recorded 50 points in 75 regular-season games and seven points in 12 playoff games during his one season with Anaheim.