We all know that the Kraken’s offensive collapse doomed their playoff chances this season. Ron Francis acknowledged it. Francis also said he’s happy with the defense, so if reinforcements come this summer they will likely be up front.
Rather than looking at the relatively paltry 2024 free agent forward class outside of Guentzel and Reinhart, both of whom appear likely to re-sign with their current clubs, let's throw out some 2025 free agent forward names. These players are eligible for extensions on July 1st, but would quickly become among the top trade deadline targets if they aren’t re-signed this summer. The Kraken could instead be aggressive and try to get one of them this summer and negotiate a contract extension as part of any trade. Calgary’s experience with Huberdeau is a cautionary tale of the risks of this approach, though.
Here’s some players I think could fit the Kraken’s needs:
(Team, Position, cap hit, goals + assists = points)
Pavel Buchnevich (STL, LW/C, $5.8M, 27g + 36a = 63p) [NaturalStatTrick, MoneyPuck] Buchnevich played most of this season as the Blues' 1LW with Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou but has also spent some time at center. He’s turned into a consistent goal scorer since getting traded from the Rangers with totals in the last 3 seasons of 30, 26, and 27. He’d give the Kraken a deadly 1-2 punch on the left side with McCann. He’s tied for the team lead in PP goals at 8 and 3rd in PP points at 18. I’m not sure the Blues will end up wanting to part with him, but if they are far apart on an extension this summer then trading him makes sense.
Nikolaj Ehlers (WPG, LW, $6M, 25g + 36a = 61p) [NaturalStatTrick, MoneyPuck] Ehlers is a fascinating player who puts up consistently good underlying numbers but is often buried down the lineup and played under 16 minutes on average per game this season. One can look at this as either he’s criminally underused by Winnipeg’s coaching staff or they see something concerning in his play that isn’t coming out in the fancy stats. That said, the PDOCast is very high on Ehlers and I’d love for the Kraken to take a swing at him this summer. Winnipeg struggles to retain players and his usage indicates they probably would be open to moving him for a younger, cheaper player with more team control/term.
Travis Konecny (PHI, RW, $5.5M, 33g + 35a = 68p) [NaturalStatTrick, MoneyPuck] I’m likely reaching on this one. Konecny led the Flyers in average time on ice and in goals (31, 33) the last 2 seasons. He appears to love being a Flyer and they should have the money to re-sign him. So why would the Flyers move the 27 year old? It only makes sense if the Flyers think their rebuild will take several more years and they want to build a younger new core around 2023 top draft pick Matvei Michkov. After just missing the playoffs this season I doubt that’s the case so expect a long-term extension for him this summer. But if he is somehow available, Francis should be all over him.
Mitch Marner (TOR, RW, $10.9M 26g + 59a = 85p) [NaturalStatTrick, MoneyPuck] Ok, hear me out on this one. Marner’s situation with his hometown Leafs is becoming unworkable. He’s been the center of withering criticism for his playoff performances as Toronto is careening towards another crushing early exit. BUT that’s why there might be mutual interest by him and the Leafs to explore trade options despite his full No Movement Clause, and it might scare off current contenders who would prioritize playoff performance for a major acquisition. The Kraken will likely have the cap space to fit his contract without sending money back to Toronto (likely a major plus for them) and, frankly, need to worry about just making the playoffs consistently rather than winning the Cup right away. Marner is a wizard offensively during the regular season and his playmaking from the perimeter could perfectly compliment the net-front play of someone like Shane Wright.
Are there any other similar players you'd like to see the Kraken try to acquire?
4 comments
I would love if seattle got Konency!!! Kid plays with fire, great shot and speed, defends his teammate, plus I think he would love hunting over here.
Ehlers pls 🙏
Obviously if we could land Guentzel or Reinhart, great.
Marchessault on VGK is another if Vegas can’t afford to keep him.
Chandler Stevenson from VGK if he doesn’t resign with Vegas.
Quentin Byfield if he doesn’t stick with LA.
Short Term deals I’d be OK with; Patrick Kane and David Perron.
Teravainen & Necas on Carolina would be good pickups if they are available.
Lastly, bring back Daniel Sprong.
Marner would be great, but with his No Trade Clause that means he dictates where he lands. There is no chance in hell that Marner waves his clause then lets the front office determine his destination. He has zero incentive to work with the FO with his FA looming. Do we really think Seattle is on his short list of places to go? If he does ask for a trade he is likely looking at something east coast and likely to win the cup in the next season or two.