Chris Kreider threatens to sit out after making one major demand

The NHL offseason just took an unexpected turn in early September, with a proven goal scorer suddenly on the verge of becoming available through one of the league's more unusual roster mechanisms.

The Anaheim Ducks placed veteran forward Chris Kreider on waivers on Wednesday with the intention of terminating his contract, a move reportedly made with the player's full cooperation. The 35-year-old left winger was entering the final season of a seven-year deal that carried a $6.5 million cap hit. His actual salary for the 2026-27 campaign sits at $4 million, as a signing bonus was already paid out in July.

But the real story here is what comes next, and Kreider is making sure everyone knows exactly where he stands.

According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, Kreider has made it clear he will not report to training camp if claimed by a team he considers undesirable. The longtime Rangers forward, who spent 14 seasons in New York before being dealt to Anaheim in June 2025, reportedly wants to return to the Eastern Conference to be closer to his family. That threat of a boycott effectively narrows the field and should discourage Western Conference clubs from putting in a claim.

Anaheim's decision to part ways with Kreider stems from a salary cap crunch. The Ducks were forced to match Philadelphia's massive offer sheet to Leo Carlsson, reportedly worth $18 million per season, which blew up their payroll. On top of that, the organization still needs to extend young sniper Cutter Gauthier, who led the team with 41 goals last season. General manager Pat Verbeek reportedly explored the trade market but found no offers worth accepting.

Kreider's resume still commands attention. He posted 50 points last season and owns career totals of 348 goals and 284 assists across 958 games. His 6-foot-3 frame, net-front presence, and power-play effectiveness make him an appealing addition for any contender.

Several Eastern Conference teams could enter the mix. The Montreal Canadiens have been mentioned as a potential suitor, partly because of existing connections between Kreider and Montreal executives Jeff Gorton and Martin St. Louis. However, the Canadiens face their own cap constraints with restricted free agents Zachary Bolduc and Arber Xhekaj still unsigned.

Meanwhile, some observers have suggested the Boston Bruins should also be interested in adding Kreider to their roster.

Skeptics point out that at 35, Kreider cannot afford to sit out for long without a paycheck. Still, his resolve reportedly appears genuine, and the message has been received around the league.

On Thursday, Kreider cleared waivers unclaimed, and became one of the most intriguing free agents available this deep into the offseason. Now the race among Eastern Conference clubs to land him could get very competitive…