Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba, once integral to the New York Rangers, now play pivotal roles for the Anaheim Ducks as they prepare to face their former team at Madison Square Garden on December 4, 2024. Both players, familiar faces in New York, have experienced significant changes since their departures, with Kreider moving in the summer and Trouba traded last December.
The Rangers, under the leadership of General Manager Chris Drury, announced a shift in strategy on November 24, 2024, indicating a desire to revamp their leadership group. This decision came after a promising start to the season, with the Rangers holding a record of 12-6-1 and performing well in previous campaigns. Since the memo, however, the team has struggled, posting a .500 record and finding themselves ranked 25th out of 32 teams.
In contrast, the Ducks have thrived, often leading the Pacific Division during the 2025-26 season. Trouba, who faced a challenging season last year while leading a team grappling with uncertainty, expressed relief at the shift in pressure. “Last year’s kind of a blur,” Trouba reflected. “The difference? He doesn’t have the weight of the world on his shoulders.” Kreider echoed this sentiment, noting the challenges of being captain in such a high-pressure environment.
Both players have demonstrated resilience this season. Trouba currently leads Ducks defensemen in plus-minus rating and goals, while Kreider is on track to surpass his previous total of 22 goals, a number hampered by injuries last year. The camaraderie between the two has grown; they live on the same street, carpool to practices, and have been welcomed by former Rangers teammates Ryan Strome and Frank Vatrano.
As they prepare for their return to New York, Kreider anticipates a warm reception from the fans, particularly for Trouba, who made significant contributions to the Rangers during his tenure. “I hope going back is more about Chris and his time there,” Trouba said. “He was there a lot longer than I was and is high on many franchise records.”
Despite their successes, the Ducks face challenges. They have struggled with their power play, converting on only one of their last 19 opportunities, and their penalty kill ranks among the least effective in the league. With four new coaches brought in, the special teams continue to be a focal point for improvement.
The Ducks kicked off their current road trip with a dramatic win against the Pittsburgh Penguins but faced setbacks against the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils. Kreider emphasized the importance of this road trip, not just for personal reasons but also for securing points in the standings. “Good things happen for a reason, and I’m happy in this situation I’m in currently,” he stated.
As Kreider and Trouba step back onto the ice at Madison Square Garden, they reflect on their journeys and the support they have received, both from their families and the fanbase. Their shared experiences have strengthened their bond, and they look forward to contributing to the Ducks’ success in their ongoing season.
