# Anaheim Ducks roster and salary cap restructuring > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/anaheim-ducks-roster-and-salary-cap-restructuring > Updated: 2026-09-10T00:08:59.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2. The Anaheim Ducks have undergone significant roster and financial restructuring following Leo Carlsson’s contract negotiations. After the Ducks matched an $18 million average annual salary offer sheet from Philadelphia, Carlsson became one of the league’s highest-paid players, a move that has reportedly increased salary demands across the NHL. To manage the resulting salary cap pressure and create space to re-sign restricted free agent Cutter Gauthier, the Ducks mutually terminated the contract of veteran forward Chris Kreider. Kreider, who consented to being placed on waivers to remove his $6.5 million salary from the team’s books, has become an unrestricted free agent. Kreider is expected to seek a short-term deal, potentially between $3 million and $4 million, with a preference for returning to the Eastern Conference. While several teams including the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, and Carolina Hurricanes have been linked to the winger, analysts suggest a signing with the Detroit Red Wings is unlikely. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-10: Chris Kreider becomes free agent after Anaheim Ducks terminate contract The Anaheim Ducks have mutually terminated Chris Kreider's contract to free up salary cap space. The veteran forward is now an unrestricted free agent and is expected to seek a new team in the Eastern Division. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chris-kreider-becomes-free-agent-after-anaheim-ducks-contract-termination ### 2026-09-09: Leo Carlsson's contract reshapes NHL market and Anaheim Ducks roster Leo Carlsson’s $18 million annual contract has reshaped NHL salary trends, forcing the Anaheim Ducks to terminate veteran Chris Kreider’s contract to manage cap constraints. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/leo-carlssons-contract-reshapes-nhl-market-and-anaheim-ducks-roster --- Cite as: Anaheim Ducks roster and salary cap restructuring. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/anaheim-ducks-roster-and-salary-cap-restructuring