Chris Kreider will get a fresh start after getting traded from the New York Rangers to the Anaheim Ducks, and he also joins a completely different environment.
Chris Kreider will get a fresh start after getting traded from the New York Rangers to the Anaheim Ducks, and he also joins a completely different environment.
Instead of being one of the many veterans on an already established team, Kreider joins a Ducks team that is filled with young talent and progressing through a rebuild.
The 34-year-old will likely step into a mentor role for these young players, and his presence as a leader will be served in a much different way compared to during his time with the Rangers.
He also goes from a big market in New York to a much smaller market in Anaheim, which means there should be a lot less pressure and noise around Kreider.
It will certainly be an adjustment after spending 13 seasons in The Big Apple, but Kredier is excited to begin this next chapter of his career because of the culture the Ducks are building.
“It’s an exciting time for me and my family,” Kreider said. “We are looking forward to joining the Ducks organization… Really looking forward to getting out there and just getting to work with that group. There’s a really good energy around the whole organization. It’s a really exciting time.”
One thing that will make Kreider’s transition a lot smoother is that he’ll join three of his former Rangers teammates, Jacob Trouba, Frank Vatrano, and Ryan Strome in Anaheim.
From before and after he was dealt to the Ducks, Kreider has been in contact with these three players about what things may look like with his new team.
In fact, his former teammates helped convince him to waive his no-trade clause to go to the Ducks.
“It’s massive,” Kreider said on how crucial it’s been to have three former teammates in Anaheim already. “I was picking their brains a lot going through the whole process, figuring out if it would be a good spot. Luckily I had a little bit of control of where I was going. It seemed like a great fit. Those guys spoke so highly of what they are building there in Anaheim… They’ve been great resources.”
Another big factor in Anaheim becoming a desirable destination for Kreider was getting the opportunity to be coached by Joel Quenneville.
Kreider spoke very highly of Quenneville as he’s excited to work under the three-time winning Stanley Cup coach.
Chris Kreider Admits Last Season With Rangers Was ‘Challenging’As Chris Kreider starts this next chapter of his career with the Anaheim Ducks, let’s look back at his rocky last season with the New York Rangers.
“We talked to him a bunch kind of going through the process and after the trade ultimately went through,” Kreider said of Quenneville. “I think his reputation and his success kind of speaks to itself. The places he was able to get to, the teams that he coached over the years. I know he is super excited to be coaching again, super excited about our group. Like I said, it’s just a really good energy around the team.”
This new chapter presents an exciting opportunity and challenge for Kreider, who was in dire need of a fresh start.
Category: General Sports
