5 Teams Linked To Free-Agent Chris Kreider

Chris Kreider has quickly become the best free-agent forward available on the open market, after the Anaheim Ducks and Kreider decided to terminate his contract. For the Ducks, it was a chance to create cap space to sign Cutter Gauthier long term, meanwhile for Kreider, it gave him the perfect chance to move his family back east.

There's been a ton of speculation over where Kreider ends up, and rightfully so, there's a ton of interest. Sportsnet's Rory Boylen recently published a piece on potential destinations and linked for the five teams as the favorites. 

The list includes the Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Pittsburgh Penguins, Carolina Hurricanes, and New York  Islanders. Meanwhile, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman feels the Montreal Canadiens are also in the mix, along with naming the Islanders as a potential. 

Kreider has roots in the Boston area and attended Boston College after the Rangers drafted him 19th overall in 2009. The Bruins need more secondary scoring too and could use Kreider to elevate their offense. Don't be surprised to see Kreider head home.

As for the Hurricanes, they can offer a chance at a Stanley Cup, and they're sitting in great position financially, as they have the cap space to easily fit in Kreider, while also leaving more flexibility moving forward.

The Penguins are an interesting candidate, as playing alongside Sidney Crosby is something that will be very intriguing for Kreider, and the Pens need more balance with another left-handed left-winger. 

Kreider could replace Alex Tuch in Buffalo, but at this point, the Sabres feel like a very longshot. Expect to see Kreider sign by early next week, and for now, the top three teams would be the Bruins, Penguins, and Hurricanes.