Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
We have a major development on the NHL trade market.
The Anaheim Ducks are clearly looking to shed part of their payroll, and one intriguing name has now become available for virtually nothing.
Chris Kreider is available, and the asking price is almost insulting.
According to David Pagnotta, the Ducks are willing to attach a second-round pick for any team willing to take on one of these expensive contracts.
In other words, a team could acquire a proven veteran goal scorer and receive a second-round pick as a bonus.
Opportunities like this don’t come around very often.
That’s where the Montreal Canadiens enter the picture.
Coming off a 106-point season and with plenty of salary cap space, the Canadiens are in a position to make this kind of move.
And Kreider is far from a washed-up veteran.
He scored 22 goals and 50 points last season:
Chris Kreider Available for Free From the Ducks, According to David Pagnotta
Kreider has built his reputation by making life miserable for opposing goaltenders.
A big-bodied forward who sets up in front of the net, tips pucks, and creates chaos around the crease.
That’s exactly the type of presence the Canadiens’ offense has lacked at times.
A player built for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
His $6.5 million cap hit isn’t ideal, but if Anaheim is also willing to include a draft pick, it suddenly becomes a very attractive trade.
After all, he scored 52 goals just a few seasons ago, followed by 36 goals in 2023 and 39 goals in 2024.
Oh, and his contract expires next summer, meaning there is no long-term commitment.
The two other names mentioned, Alex Killorn and Frank Vatrano, are considerably less appealing, but they are also available for free.
Killorn slowed down to 33 points, while Vatrano dropped to just 9 points in 50 games.
A situation worth monitoring!
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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Anaheim could pay Montreal to acquire a former 52-goal scorer for free
Should the Canadiens Jump at the Opportunity to Acquire Chris Kreider Along With a Draft Pick From the Ducks?