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The next batch of Seattle Kraken rumors could focus on taking care of major business during the Olympic break.
The number of Seattle Kraken rumors has picked up since the run-up to the Artemi Panarin trade. The chatter surrounding Panarin and Seattle has shed quite a bit of light on the club’s plans.
The Panarin trade made it clear that the Kraken are not going to punt on this season by a country mile. They’re in third place in the Pacific Division and looking to hold steady.
As such, Kraken rumors have focused on trade acquisitions. But there’s another crucial piece of business Seattle will be looking to take care of heading into the trade deadline.
As insider David Pagnotta noted, the Kraken will be looking to figure out where they stand with their impending UFAs. As it stands, Seattle has Jaden Schwartz, captain Jordan Eberle, Eeli Tolvanen, and defenseman Jamie Oleksiak hitting the market at the end of the season. That’s why the club needs to know where these players stand.
“They’re (Kraken) going to use this break to talk to their pending UFAs…Jordan Eberle, Jamie Oleksiak, Eeli Tolvanen; Jaden Schwartz; see if they can lock them in, if not, then I think they will explore moving those guys.”
Depending on how talks with these players go, Kraken rumors could pick up regarding potential moves. One of the biggest names is Schwartz. With so many teams looking for more help down the middle, Schwartz makes sense.
But if the Kraken can’t work out potential extensions, trades may be forthcoming.
Kraken Rumors Could Focus on Replacing UFAs
The easiest way out for the Kraken would be to trade their impending UFAs for futures. Prospects and draft picks are always good to have in stock. But Seattle isn’t in selling mode necessarily. They’ll be looking to replace their impending UFAs.
That’s where things could get tricky. One of the prevailing Kraken rumors was to deal Shane Wright in hopes of landing a top-six scorer. But with Panarin off the board, the Kraken will have to pivot to other alternatives.
However, the lack of available pieces on the trade market could make it challenging for Seattle to find adequate replacements.
Seattle Will Need to Get Creative at Trade Deadline
At this point, there aren’t many Kraken rumors beyond their need to add a top-six scorer. But it wouldn’t be surprising to hear about the Kraken also wanting to add depth in their bottom six and blue line.
Well, that’s pretty much the playbook for just about every contending team this season. That’s why the Kraken will need to get creative. There could be deals out there, but they may have to be hockey trades.
Teams that aren’t necessarily giving up on their season could make for some interesting partners. Clubs like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Columbus Blue Jackets, and San Jose Sharks may come up in Kraken Rumors at some point.
These clubs, for instance, have pieces they’d like to move out. That might make it easier for the parties to land solid players, even if it means swapping out UFAs for UFAs.
The next couple of days may be quiet in Seattle. But chatter should pick up sooner rather than later.
Nestor Quixtan Seasoned NHL analyst and baseball writer focused on covering clubs across each league with news, analysis, and insights. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Nestor’s singular experiences and background have enabled him to bring a different take on the sports world as a whole. Nestor’s fondness for baseball and hockey set the tone for his love and passion for writing about sports. More about Nestor Quixtan
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