Could the Ottawa Senators Be in Play for Chris Kreider?

The Ottawa Senators want to advance beyond the first round of the playoffs in the 2026-27 season, and bringing in a veteran like Chris Kreider could go a long way toward that. With the Anaheim Ducks scrambling to get Cutter Gauthier locked into a new contract, and having very little cap space to do it, Kreider has become the casualty and has been placed on unconditional waivers. The move will free up $6.5 million in space for the Ducks, while Kreider will get his wish of returning to the East to be closer to his family.

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There will be many suitors for the 35-year-old winger, who had a very respectable 22 goals and 50 total points in 75 games for the Ducks last season, and the Ottawa Senators should at the very least look into his potential interest in bringing his talents to Canada’s capital city.

Ottawa Senators Cap Situation

Firstly, the Ottawa Senators could afford to add Kreider. Some teams, especially those that may be more enticing destinations as serious Cup contenders, don’t have enough financial flexibility to bring in a player like him. Currently, the Senators have a shade over $4 million in space, but players such as Stephen Halliday, Nikolas Matinpalo, and even goaltender Leevi Merilainen could be sent down to Belleville, which would raise the team’s cap to around $7.2 million.

This would be plenty of space to sign Kreider, who has already received his bonus from the Ducks this summer and may be willing to accept a deal closer to $4-$5 million a season, especially at his age.

He would fit comfortably under the salary cap, leaving enough room for the Senators to make other call-ups or even more additions should they need to.

Kreider Fits The Lineup

A 50-point player complementing the style of play the Ottawa Senators have is something that could make the difference when it comes to the postseason. Kreider would easily slot into a second-line role, with Ridly Greig dropping down to the third line, with both potentially rotating their spot in the lineup depending on needs and overall performances.

Kreider has played a physical, power-forward style game throughout his career but has reduced the physicality in recent years as age catches up and wear and tear on his body has necessitated a change. Through this, he can still be counted on for almost a full season without too much concern.

Capable of scoring and providing assists, Kreider could be an ideal, experienced partner to place alongside Shane Pinto and Claude Giroux, giving the Senators two wingers who can help push Pinto towards consistency with his own points production, giving them the player they are hoping to have now that he is earning $7.5 million a season.

His 6-foot-3, 232lbs frame fits the mould of current Ottawa Senators players, with the team’s average height sitting at over 6-foot-1 and average weight sitting around 204lbs. His large frame would fit perfectly with the rest of the roster, and head coach Travis Green clearly prefers a particular type of player; Kreider could be an ideal fit in both production and physique.

By being able to give him a desirable contract, a spot in the top six, and a chance to be an impact player on a playoff-caliber team, the Ottawa Senators could be one of the most enticing Canadian destinations if Kreider is open to playing north of the border. As with many American players, it is likely he will prefer to take his talents to another team in the USA, but if he is open-minded about his opportunities, then the Senators should be well worth consideration, with the trajectory of the team still on the up.

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