November 21, 2024 | 12:37pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

TEAMS BEGINNING TO EYE KRAKEN PLAYERS

Brandonn Tanev, forward

The Seattle Kraken are in the wildcard discussion 20 games into the season, but if they fall off their pace and drop too far back of playoff contention later this season, management may look to sell off some assets in February and March.

Currently 10-9-1 and tied with the Vancouver Canucks with 21 points, the Kraken have multiple players on expiring contracts who will draw interest leading up to the trade deadline. Some players, like forwards Brandon Tanev and Yanni Gourde, have already attracted the attention of a few clubs.

Gourde, Tanev, Daniel Sprong, William Borgen and Josh Mahura are all in the final year of their respective contracts and are eligible to become unrestricted free agents next July.

Tanev owns a 10-team no-trade list, while Gourde has a 23-team trade list – both players will have some say in where they end up if dealt this season.

According to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, the Kraken have already received inquiries on Gourde's availability, though GM Ron Francis is “not in a rush to move him.”

Gourde, a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Tampa Bay Lightning, will certainly pull in plenty of interest if Francis decides to move him this season, as multiple Cup contenders will try to add him ahead of the deadline.

Tanev, a fan favourite in Seattle, may be tougher to move simply from a PR standpoint, but the Kraken may try to maximize a return if they fall out of the wildcard playoff race.

The Kraken have the ability to retain salary on three players this season and could eat a portion of Tanev and/or Gourde’s contracts to help facilitate a trade and generate the highest return.