Sources: Ducks waive Chris Kreider, East hits the floor.

The Anaheim Ducks are placing veteran forward Chris Kreider on waivers to terminate his contract, a source confirmed to ESPN on Wednesday.

Kreider, 35, was entering the final season of a seven-year contract that has an average annual value of $6.5 million against the salary cap. His total salary for the 2026-27 season is $4 million.

If Kreider clears waivers, the release of his contract will make him an unrestricted free agent. According to an NHL source, Kreider has expressed a desire to play closer to the East Coast, but has not yet decided on his next team.

Kreider is entering his 15th NHL season, 14 of which he spent with the New York Rangers. They traded him to Anaheim in June 2025 after he waived his no-trade clause to make the deal happen. Kreider played 75 games for the Ducks, scoring 22 goals and 28 assists. He has two goals and five assists in 12 playoff games.

The decision to part ways with Kreider comes amid lengthy contract negotiations with 22-year-old forward Cutter Gauthier, who led the team with 41 goals last season. Those negotiations were significantly impacted by the decision of Ducks star center Leo Karlsson to sign a five-year, $90 million offer with the Philadelphia Flyers that was matched by the Ducks. Karlsson’s $18 million AAV is the highest for any NHL player next season.

Kreider has 348 goals and 284 assists in 958 career games. The 6-foot-3 winger is known for his presence in front of the net and ability on special teams.

Sportsnet was the first to report Kreider’s contract termination.