NHL Rumours: Seattle Kraken Trade Deadline Plans

It’s time for some more NHL rumours. We’re in the midst of the Winter Olympic break. However, the hot stove is still cooking up plenty of speculation. Teams aren’t allowed to make moves, but that doesn’t that clubs are being idle. Some teams have to decide whether or not they’re going to buy or sell at the deadline. The fate of pending free agents could also be a factor with what teams will do in the lead into the March 6 trade deadline.

One team that has to figure things out is the Seattle Kraken. This edition of NHL rumours deals with the Seatle Kraken and what they may do at the trade deadline.

All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.

NHL Rumours

What the Seattle Kraken May Do at the Trade Deadline

Rumour: David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period appeared on Sekeres & Price to discuss what the Kraken may do at the trade deadline. Seattle faces plenty of uncertainty with many unrestricted free agents on the roster.

Analysis: The Kraken are in third place in the Pacific Division, which means they would make the Stanley Cup Playoffs if the season ended today. However, Seattle is tied with the Anaheim Ducks on 63 points, and the Los Angeles Kings are only three points behind. Los Angeles did also take a massive swing in acquiring Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers. This means that could be line to make more moves when the roster freeze lifts after the Olympics.

Seattle has only made the playoffs once in its brief history, but it was a memorable run. However, success has evaded the franchise for the rest of its short time in the league. The Kraken have often been sellers at the deadline. However, this season has Seattle in a position to possibly be a buyer at the deadline.

First-year general manager Jason Botterill has to deal with one major factor is there a good number of pending UFAs. The Kraken have to make a choice to offload these players if they won’t re-sign with the club.

What It Means

There are some inclinations that Seattle was trying to make a move. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the Kraken were in play to try and acquire Panarin. One of the main components of a possible Panarin deal was him signing a contract extension. The Russian did ink a two-year extension worth $11 per season, which will take hold after this season.

However, Friedman mentioned that an offer for more $14 million per season came in, with all signs pointing to the Kraken being the team. It seems like Seattle wants to make that move to get a superstar player.

However, the main concern now turns to the current roster. Players like Jordan Eberle, Jamie Oleksiak, Eeli Tolvanen, and Jaden Schwartz are all UFAs heading into the season. One wonders what Botterill will do when it comes to these players.

Pagnotta mentioned that Seattle will likely try and extend these players. However, Botterill may try and deal anyone that doesn’t sigh so he can recoup assets. It’s an odd place for the Kraken to be in, and even the most-experienced GMs in the league would have a hard time deciding what to do next.