NHL trade rumors: Insider reports "positive interactions" between Rangers' Chris Kreider & Anaheim Ducks 

Trade speculation is heating up between the New York Rangers and Anaheim Ducks, with forward Chris Kreider at the center of the buzz.

NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported "positive interactions" between the two teams, with the Ducks getting permission from the Rangers to discuss a potential deal with the veteran winger.

According to Seravalli, the most recent trade talks have focused on Ducks prospect Carey Terrance and Anaheim's 2023 second-round pick going to New York in exchange for Kreider.

"Sounds like there were positive interaction(s) today between #NHLDucks and Chris Kreider, with permission of course from #NYR.

"Not expecting any hiccups, process ongoing. In addition to Terrance, believe there is also a mid-round pick swap involved as part of the proposed deal," Seravalli wrote on X/Twitter.

The Ducks are expected to absorb the final two years and $13 million of Kreider’s contract. The forward recently landed the No. 2 spot on Daily Faceoff’s latest Trade Targets list.

Seravalli also mentioned that it’s uncertain whether Anaheim was on Kreider’s 15-team no-trade list, but sources say it likely wouldn’t stand in the way of a potential deal.

Kreider is thought to have an interest in playing under new Ducks coach Joel Quenneville and reuniting with former Rangers teammates Ryan Strome and Jacob Trouba in Anaheim.

In 68 games this season, he has 22 goals and 30 points.

Frank Seravalli: Ducks to have "upward trajectory" after Chris Kreider trade

According to Frank Seravalli, a Chris Kreider trade would be a significant change that showcases the immediate impact of Joel Quenneville's leadership as the Ducks' head coach.

Speaking on Wednesday’s episode of "Daily Faceoff LIVE", Seravalli added:

"I think this Ducks team is on an upward trajectory… By the way, the Rangers and Ducks had essentially the same record last year after the Jacob Trouba trade. Trouba made the Ducks better last year. Kreider will even more so."

Seravalli suggested that the Ducks were willing to take on Kreider's $16 million contract, which the Rangers were eager to offload, as they see the potential for the team to improve.

The Ducks and Rangers posted similar records last season following the Jacob Trouba trade, which ended up favoring Anaheim. Seravalli believes that bringing in Kreider would give the Ducks an additional boost and help push the team even further in an upward trajectory.