Jacob Trouba Praises Chris Kreider As They Reunite With The Ducks

Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba will reunite with the Anaheim Ducks. 

The New York Rangers traded Jacob Trouba to the Ducks in December, and a few months later, Kreider faced the same fate as he was dealt to Anaheim. 

Trouba praised Kreider and his leadership abilities, which he expects the veteran forward to bring to this young Ducks team. 

“Chris has always been a great teammate when I’ve played with him,” Trouba 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.” 

Trouba and Kreider were teammates with the Rangers from 2019-24. Trouba served as the captain for part of that time while Kreider was an assistant captain. 

Now, they join a rebuilding team that is looking to take the next step and compete, so these two players will provide a much-needed veteran presence and step into leadership roles.  

Ryan Strome, another former Rangers forward, has been a member of the Ducks organization for three seasons, and he feels the 2025-26 season is when everything can change for the franchise due to their emerging young talent and veteran leadership core. 

“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. So, with bright days ahead, there’s endless optimism.”

We will have to see if adding these veteran pieces is the missing ingredient for the Ducks to step out of purgatory and begin to compete in the Western Conference.