Bruins Could Have an Edge in Pursuit of $45.5 Million Forward
The Boston Bruins may have an opportunity to add a proven top-six forward without giving up assets in a trade. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reports that the Anaheim Ducks are expected to place Chris Kreider on waivers as they look for a way to move on from his expensive contract.
Kreider technically has one year remaining on the seven-year, $45.5 million deal he signed, which carries an average annual value of $6.5 million.
Friedman says Kreider is open to reaching an agreement with Anaheim that would allow him to leave and return to the East Coast. Although any NHL team could claim him off waivers, Kreider reportedly would not report to training camp if claimed by an undesirable destination. That gives the veteran forward some leverage in determining where he plays next. Should he clear waivers, he would become an unrestricted free agent.
Anaheim’s Financial Situation Could Help Boston
The Ducks’ decision appears to be driven largely by their salary-cap situation. Anaheim recently gave Leo Carlsson an $18 million annual average value contract and still needs to work out a new deal with Cutter Gauthier. The promising young forward reportedly turned down an offer worth $13 million annually.
According to PuckPedia, the Ducks currently have roughly $9 million in projected cap space, making Kreider’s contract increasingly difficult to carry.
For the Bruins, the situation is particularly intriguing because Kreider has strong ties to Massachusetts. The veteran forward is a native of the state and played his college hockey at Boston College. Given his reported desire to remain on the East Coast and his influence over where he could end up, Boston would seemingly be an appealing destination.
The Bruins also have more than $5 million in projected cap space, giving general manager Don Sweeney some flexibility.
Boston Could Still Use Kreider’s Scoring Ability
Despite being 35 years old, Kreider remained a productive offensive player during the 2025-26 season. He finished the campaign with 50 points, including 22 goals, for Anaheim.
Only four Boston forwards reached at least those numbers last season, and one of them, Viktor Arvidsson, has since departed in free agency.
Sweeney attempted to replace some of Arvidsson’s production by acquiring winger J.J. Peterka. The addition should strengthen Boston’s offense, but the Bruins could still benefit from another proven top-six scorer.
Brandon Share-Cohen of The Hockey Writers recently argued that Boston should pursue another top-six forward despite the Peterka acquisition.
At the moment, Boston
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