Chris Kreider is back on the free-agent market after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract with the Anaheim Ducks. The move came just weeks before the start of the regular season and reportedly gives Kreider a chance to play closer to home. That could make Eastern Conference teams the best fit for the veteran forward. With several clubs holding enough cap space and needing veteran help, Kreider should have a few realistic options before the season begins.
Can Philadelphia Flyers Make The Strongest Offer?
The Philadelphia Flyers have one major advantage: cap space. They have more than $13.7 million available, giving them room to make a strong offer to Kreider.
A one-year deal could make the most sense for both sides. Philadelphia also has young forwards such as Matvei Michkov, Trevor Zegras and Porter Martone, giving Kreider a chance to play with a talented group.
Could Chris Kreider Return Home With Boston Bruins?
For Chris Kreider, few teams would bring him closer to home than the Boston Bruins. The Boxford, Massachusetts native would get a chance to stay near family while joining a team that has enough cap space to bring him in. Boston currently has $5.39 million available, which gives the Bruins enough room to cover the $4 million Kreider left behind by ending his Ducks contract.
The Bruins do have several options on the left side, including JJ Peterka, Casey Mittelstadt, James Hagens and Tanner Jeannot. That could make his fit less clear despite the strong hometown connection.
Would Islanders Give Kreider A New York Return?
The New York Islanders also make sense because of their location and Kreider’s history in the area. After years with the Rangers, joining the Islanders would keep him close to home while giving the veteran a familiar setting.
Kreider also has a connection with Islanders prospect Daniil Prokhorov. “He talks in good Russian, Kreider, and he trained me in English,” Prokhorov said, as reported by the New York Post. The Islanders have just over $4.1 million in cap space after losing Anders Lee.
Is Sidney Crosby The Biggest Draw In Pittsburgh?
The Pittsburgh Penguins are farther from Kreider’s home, but playing with Sidney Crosby could be a major reason to consider Pittsburgh. The Penguins have more than $10 million in cap space and could fit Kreider on a short-term deal.
Crosby will return for the final year of his contract alongside Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, Bryan Rust and Erik Karlsson. After making the playoffs last season, Pittsburgh could see Kreider as another veteran piece for one more run.
Could Chris Kreider Help Sabres’ Young Core?
The Buffalo Sabres could use a veteran like Kreider after Alex Tuch left for the Washington Capitals. Buffalo has $5.1 million in cap space and could bring Kreider in without a major cap move.
The Sabres also have young forwards such as Tage Thompson and Josh Doan. Kreider’s experience could give Buffalo another veteran presence around its younger players.
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