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After Chris Kreider became the latest former New York Rangers player to move on to the Anaheim Ducks via trade in June, it marked a growing reunion of ex-Blueshirts in Southern California with a group shaping a new path rooted in veteran leadership’s chemistry.
With Jacob Trouba, Ryan Strome and Frank Vatrano already signed and having played together in New York, the trio was excited to welcome another former teammate in Kreider – a player with 326 career goals in 883 regular-season games – into the mix.
“I think I’m mostly just looking forward to having guys who I know care a lot about winning and are good, proven players,” Strome, an alternate captain with Anaheim, told NHLPA.com. “We are all friends off the ice and have young families, so to reconnect with everyone will be awesome.”
Trouba, who played almost six seasons with the Rangers – including 364 regular season games and 46 playoff appearances – before being traded to Anaheim in December 2024, echoed the sentiment.
“Chris has always been a great teammate when I’ve played with him,” the former Rangers captain told NHLPA.com. “He has a way of connecting with young players and creating a real sense of team. The way he shows up every day and works on his game is something everyone can learn from.”
While their playing styles differ, Strome, who spent four seasons with the Rangers before signing with Anaheim as a free agent in 2022, sees a common thread among the four ex-Blueshirts.
“Probably, leadership abilities, I’d say,” said Strome. “Our on-ice skill sets are very different from each guy, but off the ice, I’d say we all have an understanding of what works and what doesn’t. All of us have been around a long time and have been influenced by great older players when we were younger and now have the ability to help with our younger guys.”
That younger core includes forwards Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, Mason McTavish as well as blueliner Jackson LaCombe – all who are under the age of 25.
Their presence is a major source of optimism.
Anaheim hasn’t made the Stanley Cup Playoffs since 2018, but the injection of a veteran presence has both the players and fans in a hopeful mindset.
“There is a ton of excitement around the team because of how good our young players already are and how good everyone thinks they can be,” said Strome.
“It’s awesome and a privilege to play in SoCal for the Ducks, but I’d be lying to say the last few years haven’t been tough at times,” he continued. “So, with bright days ahead, there’s endless optimism.”
Trouba agrees.
“This is a new opportunity to build a great team to contend in Anaheim,” he said.
With a core of veterans leading the way – and a rising generation following – the Ducks may just be turning the page on their rebuild.
“I can’t wait to get going,” said Strome. “We have a lot to look forward to.”
