Seattle, WA - The Seattle Kraken have certainly been a topic of discussion in their inaugural season. From their jerseys that still sell incredibly well, to the product on the ice that has had its and downs, at the end of the day the team is a success in most regards. With that being said, there are areas that the team can definitely improve in, and while the trade deadline (March 21st) won't remedy all of Seattle's issues, it can be a start for the newest franchise in the NHL. We take a look at the top three most likely players that the Kraken may try to move prior to the deadline.
Captain Mark Giordano in warm ups against Calgary
1. Mark Giordano
Giordano, the team captain, is the most likely to be traded this season. Like the rest of the players on this list, his contract ends at the end of this season. It is currently unclear if Giordano will want to stick around in Seattle following a 15-year tenure with the Calgary Flames. Giordano has mentioned that his family has found a home in Seattle, with school all set up for their children, and it may be difficult to pack it all up and settle once again, but that decision is technically in the hands of general manager Ron Francis. Veteran defenseman tend to be a hot commodity around the deadline, and Giordano fits that bill perfectly. What the Kraken could get for him, you may ask? That's a little bit harder to answer, and is dependent on the value that potential suitors see in him. I wouldn't expect much, but Seattle could obtain some younger talent that continues to help set them up for their future.
Notable stats from this season: 4 goals, 15 assists, 19 points, -12 +/-.
Best game from this season: December 30th vs Calgary Flames; 1 goal, 2 assists, 3 points, 1+/-, 2 shots on goal.
Potential landing spots: Calgary Flames, Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues.
2. Marcus Johansson
These last two candidates are less likely than Giordano, simply because of the captains age and increased value to contending teams. With that being said, these last two are only on contract through the remainder of the season and their future with the team is thus not guaranteed. The veteran is not the player he was late in his Capitals tenure, but he is still someone that could provide help on a teams attack, particularly a team that needs a winger. Compared to last season, Johansson has played in the same amount of games at this current moment and has only slightly been better than last year. Seattle could look to move on from the veteran, shipping him to a team that could use another wing player in their middle lines.
Notable stats from this season: 5 goals, 10 assists, 15 points, -15 +/-, 3 PPG
Best game from this season: January 10th @ Colorado Avalanche; 1 goal, 1 assist, 2 points
Potential landing spots: Carolina Hurricanes, Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators
Riley Sheahan battles to keep possession against Vancouver
3. Riley Sheahan
The third candidate we identify as highest on the list for a potential trade piece is centerman RIley Sheahan. Sheahan hasn't been nearly as productive as his other centermen on the roster, but he still provides veteran experience. Contenders can never get enough experience, especially when they want to add depth to their roster in preparation for a deep playoff run. Sheahan has never been a prolific scorer in his time in the NHL, but teams continue to sign him, so that value in his services remains evident. His contract also ends at the conclusion of this season.
Notable stats from this season: 1 goal, 6 assists, 7 points, 4 +/-
Best game from this season: October 19th @ New Jersey Devils; 1 goal, 1 point, 1 +/-, 3 shots on goal.
Potential landing spot: Minnesota Wild
In conclusion, it is not a surefire thing that Seattle does make a move at all prior to the deadline, but if the team was to do so, it should be Giordano. No, Seattle will not trade one of its goaltenders despite cries from fans that don't actually watch the games. Grubauer and Driedger, despite their earlier season struggles, have settled in in recent contests and are playing better, and the defensive lines are helping a little bit as well in that regard. The defensive lines were mostly to blame for the struggles anyway, in addition to the fact that Grubauer is under contract for six seasons. Seattle has plenty of cap space this upcoming offseason and it is the teams first ever season, so there is no justified cause for panic. Enjoy the ups and downs from the first season in team history, it can only get better from here.
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