The offseason has begun with a significant trade involving the New York Rangers and Anaheim Ducks. The Rangers have traded Chris Kreider, a consistent scorer over the past several seasons, along with a fourth-round pick, to the Ducks in exchange for prospect Carey Terrance and a third-round pick. This move aims to create salary cap space as the Rangers prepare for the upcoming season with financial flexibility.

Kreider has been a reliable player for New York, scoring 20 or more goals for seven consecutive seasons, but recent declines in his scoring numbers and the need to manage the salary cap prompted this decision. With Kreider's departure, the Rangers now have nearly $15 million in cap space, allowing them to focus on signing their restricted free agents and potentially adding new talent.

On the other hand, the Ducks view this trade as a strategic reinforcement for their roster as they continue their rebuild. Acquiring Kreider adds depth and experience to their forward group, which is essential for developing their young core. With significant cap space still available, the Ducks are well-positioned to make additional moves in free agency.