Ducks Made the Cap Move They Had to Make
The Anaheim Ducks placed veteran forward Chris Kreider on unconditional waivers on September 10, with one season and approximately $6.5 million in cap value still remaining on his deal. He cleared within 24 hours, became an unrestricted free agent, and signed with the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday. The one-year contract carries $2.15 million in guaranteed salary plus up to $3.25 million in performance bonuses. General Manager Kent Hughes confirmed the signing.
The Ducks' motivation was straightforward. Restricted free agent Cutter Gauthier, who recorded 43 goals in 2025-26, has drawn considerable interest from rival clubs throughout the summer. Clearing Kreider's cap hit gives Anaheim the flexibility to meet whatever number a Gauthier extension will require. Elliotte Friedman reported earlier this month that Gauthier's next deal is expected to be "a really big number."
Still Producing at 35
Kreider played 75 games for the Ducks in 2025-26, producing 22 goals, 28 assists and 50 points while posting 34 penalty minutes. He scored eight power-play goals — second on the team — and hit the 20-goal mark for an eighth consecutive season. He recorded his 600th career NHL point on November 30, 2025.
His career totals underscore the value Montreal is acquiring at a discount. Across 958 NHL games since debuting with the New York Rangers in 2012-13, Kreider has scored 348 goals and posted 632 points. He ranks 15th all-time in NHL goals and 10th in power-play goals with 124. Selected 19th overall by New York in the 2009 NHL Draft, he spent more than a decade in Manhattan before his move to Anaheim.
Montreal Adds a Veteran Layer
The Canadiens have been building around their younger players for several seasons, and Kreider's addition provides an experienced piece without a long-term commitment. His ability to produce on the power play and contribute on the penalty kill makes him a functional fit alongside a developing forward group. At $2.15 million guaranteed, the risk is limited.
Kreider arrives with a scoring track record few players his age can still point to. He has scored 20 or more goals in each of the last eight seasons and remained one of the more durable forwards in the league through 2025-26 despite being 35 years old. Montreal confirmed no specific role designation, but his experience against Eastern Conference opponents over a career that began in 2012 gives Hughes' group a known commodity.
What Comes Next in Anaheim
With Kreider's salary removed, the Ducks have the cap flexibility to structure an extension for Gauthier without constraints. The decision to terminate Kreider's deal — rather than find a trade partner — suggests Anaheim wanted clarity quickly. Gauthier turned 21 this year and is coming off the best offensive season of his career. The longer his extension remains unsigned, the more opportunities other teams have to make noise around him as a restricted free agent.
Anaheim has not confirmed a timeline for Gauthier's deal. The 2026-27 regular season opens on September 29. Between Kreider joining a Canadiens group in transition and the Gauthier negotiation now fully unblocked in southern California, both franchises move into opening weekend with significant storylines still unfolding.