NHL insider points to potential hurdle in Ducks' pursuit of Chris Kreider - "Discussions are continuing"

The New York Rangers seem poised to trade Chris Kreider, something that was rumored to happen during last season when the Rangers were struggling so mightily.

They ended up trading some players, like Jacob Trouba, but Kreider survived the season. It ended in disappointment, and now, the winger might not survive the offseason.

If he's to join Trouba in being traded to the Anaheim Ducks as rumors and reports suggest, there's still one major hurdle to jump through: his no-trade clause. It includes the Ducks, so he'd have to agree to waive that. NHL insider Pierre LeBrun reported:

"Further to @frank_seravalli here who was first on this potential trade, Kreider needs to waive as Anaheim is on list of No teams. Discussions are continuing today in this potential deal."

However, NHL insider Larry Brooks doesn't think it'll be an issue.

Brooks said:

"I have been told that Drury and Kreider's camp have been in constant communication through the off-season so I would be surprised if a no-trade list becomes an issue."

As things progress, it certainly looks like Kreider will be headed to join his ex-teammate in California. It will just require him to sign some extra paperwork waiving the clause, which he does not seem unwilling to do as of now.

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Ducks, Rangers have framework for Chris Kreider trade

Last season, Chris Kreider was aggressively shopped by GM Chris Drury. Kreider's name was among many that were sent out to the rest of the league as the Rangers GM attempted to find trade partners for a ton of his players.

Chris Kreider is likely going to get traded (Imagn)

That never transpired, but Kreider, after a disappointing, injury-filled season, is now likely to be moved after all. In fact, the Rangers and Anaheim Ducks have reportedly already worked out the framework of the deal.

The Ducks would send a prospect and a draft pick, presumably something in the middle or late rounds, to New York for Kreider. The Ducks would also take on and cover the entirety of Kreider's $6.5 million annual salary.

This deal is not complete yet, but reports suggest that the two sides are in the advanced stages of discussions, so it could happen sooner rather than later.