Is Chris Kreider Signing With The Boston Bruins Realistic?
The Anaheim Ducks made the surprise move to terminate veteran forward Chris Kreider's contract today. It was a mutual decision, which leaves Kreider a chance to return to the Eastern Conference after spending a year out in Orange County, joining Jacob Trouba out west.
His year as a Duck wasn't insignificant, as he got to experience a trip to the playoffs as he battled against the Edmonton Oilers, in what was an easy first-round win for the battle-hardened Oilers, who were Stanley Cup contenders the last two seasons prior.
Now, with Kreider's availability, there remains buzz around his name, as the Massachusetts native has been linked to the Boston Bruins.
He'd be a great fit in the lineup as a veteran presence who isn't afraid to get in front of the net to get the dirty power-play goals.
However, with limited cap space and Kreider's $6.5 M cap hit, there would have to be wiggle room to make the money fit, along with demoting a younger forward who has earned a spot in the lineup.
At the moment, the Bruins have $5.39 M available and just signed their rising star, Fraser Minten, to a 7-year, $7.2 million cap hit.
Boston Bruins Lineup with Potential Chris Kreider Addition
— IceMetrix (@IceMetrix) September 9, 2026
Thoughts on this Lineup? 👀#NHL #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/KpD1tMrEXy
While it is a nice idea and would augment the Bruins' lineup in a meaningful way, giving them veteran leadership on the ice and someone who has seen significant playoff experience, it's doubtful that the Bruins would open their wallet for Kreider.
Where could Kreider land?
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings have $19 M in cap space and could utilize someone like Kreider for deep playoff runs. In addition to the mess they have with Larkin, adding a 50-point scorer could give them some needed insurance if they do decide to finally trade their captain.
Other Eastern Conference teams who'd be of major interest to Kreider currently don't have any cap room to accommodate the gritty veteran forward.
But at this point of the year, anything could happen.