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3 Trade Deadline Candidates for the Seattle Kraken
The Seattle Kraken are having a tough time planting their roots this year. Multiple names are up for grabs. Here are the three largest names.
The Seattle Kraken are once again having a hard time finding their place in the league. The Kraken sit 24th in the standings with a 17-19-3 record, putting them seven points behind a wild card spot. With the hopes of making the playoffs for the second time in franchise history diminishing away, it’s time to sell the farm. While multiple players are feeling the pressure of a possible deadline trade, here are the three most prominent.
Yanni Gourde is Highly Underrated League Wide
Yanni Gourde, 33, was acquired in the expansion draft from the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the team hasn’t looked back since. Gourde has played a very solid game with the Kraken, suiting up for 270 games and recording 145 points (52g, 93a). Along with being a presence on the ice, Gourde is also a presence in the locker room as he has held the ‘A’ on his jersey since day one with the Kraken.
The French-Canadian centerman is in the final year of his six-year, $31 million contract, making him a UFA this offseason. With a cap hit of $5.17 million, Gourde is worth his paycheck. Gourde is not afraid to sacrifice his body to get in front of the shooting lane. His versatility in playing center and wing gives teams many options to make his arrival work.

Brandon Tanev Passing his Famous Hockey Mugshot Somewhere Else
Brandon Tanev, 33, is also in the final year of his six-year, $21 million contract. Tanev was selected from the Pittsburgh Penguins in the expansion draft and has become a celebrity in Seattle. His notorious headshot made him a popular figure in Northwest Washington. Not only is Tanev good at making laughs, but he is also good at playing hockey. On the fourth line, Tanev has racked up 15 points (8g, 7a) in 43 games.
One of Tanev’s standout qualities is his physicality. His ability to consistently tie up opponents along the boards diminishes any attempt at allowing the opposition to regroup. Additionally, Tanev is full of energy and sparks light in his linemates. If Seattle puts Tanev on the block, many teams would inquire about acquiring him.
Oliver Bjorkstrand Could be More than a Rental
Oliver Bjorkstrand, 39, was acquired in a trade via the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2023 entry draft. In his 206 games with Seattle, Bjorkstrand has tallied 132 points (53g, 79a). Bjorkstrand was named to the 2024 NHL All-Star game and was the lone representative of Seattle. In his first All-Star appearance, he scored one goal in a 4-3 loss against Team McDavid.
With two years left in his five-year, $27 million deal, Bjorkstrand would more than likely be a core piece rather than a rental. His shooting ability has been proven to be important for the Kraken, averaging around a 14% shot accuracy per night. Even though his ice time has been limited this year, he has still laid a huge impact on the Kraken’s offense.
Next: 3 Potential Trade Destinations for Canucks’ J.T. Miller
