The Anaheim Ducks terminated forward Chris Kreider's contract on Thursday after he went unclaimed on unconditional waivers, making the 35-year-old an unrestricted free agent with NHL training camps opening next week. Kreider had one season remaining on a seven-year, $45.5 million extension signed with the New York Rangers in February 2020, carrying a $6.5 million average annual value against the salary cap. Anaheim said the move was intended to create financial flexibility while it works to re-sign restricted free agent forward Cutter Gauthier, 22, who led the Ducks with 41 goals and 69 points last season. The Ducks also matched Philadelphia's five-year, $90 million offer sheet for star center Leo Carlsson in July, giving Carlsson an $18 million average annual value, the highest for any NHL player this coming season. Anaheim signed forward A.J. Greer to a four-year deal and defenseman Pavel Mintyukov to a five-year contract this summer. Kreider recorded 50 points in 75 games and seven points in 12 playoff games during his only season with Anaheim in 2025-26.