The Seattle Kraken struggled to attain final season, ending twenty ninth out of 32 groups whereas averaging simply 2.61 objectives per recreation. To assist treatment the difficulty, the staff signed heart Chandler Stephenson and defenseman Brandon Montour in free company.
Though these signings had been large strikes for the younger franchise, they failed to handle the staff’s want for a participant who can persistently rating 20-plus objectives per season. Stephenson has scored 20-plus objectives as soon as in his 10-year profession (in 2020-21) whereas Montour has by no means scored greater than 16 objectives in a season throughout his 10-year profession.
Listed below are three forwards on the commerce block who Seattle may goal so as to add firepower to their offense:
Trevor Zegras | Anaheim Geese
A four-year veteran, Zegras would deliver the wow issue the Kraken lack. He recorded 60-plus factors in each his second and third seasons within the NHL, proving that he has what it takes to be a high-impact ahead. He solely performed in six video games final season for the Geese after struggling a damaged ankle in Jan. 2024.
Again in June, The Athletic’s senior NHL columnist Pierre LeBrun famous that the Geese are listening to gives on Zegras, with the Montreal Canadiens talked about as a staff that had expressed curiosity.
Zegras would pair nicely with both Vince Dunn or Montour, offensive-minded defensemen who’ve the talent set to enhance his presence close to the web.
Patrik Laine | Columbus Blue Jackets
Winger Patrick Laine, an elite purpose scorer who has netted 30 or extra objectives 3 times, may very well be an intriguing goal, too.
Laine missed all however 18 video games of the 2023-24 season with a damaged clavicle, an harm he suffered Dec. 14 in opposition to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Laine has additionally been within the NHL/NHLPA participant help program for assist together with his well-being and psychological well being. On July 26, docs cleared him to return.
The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline reported close to the tip of July that Columbus may proceed with commerce talks for Laine. Portzline famous that Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell indicated that he would favor to commerce Laine for a roster participant, with out retaining part of his wage.
A commerce for Laine would not be simple, however it may be price it for Seattle. Stepping away from a rebuilding Columbus staff for brand new surroundings may do the ahead some good.
Nick Robertson | Toronto Maple Leafs
The 22-year-old has the abilities to develop into a top-six ahead. Seattle may lean into its youth motion by bringing in Robertson, who had a profession 12 months in 2023-24, recording 14 objectives and 27 factors in 56 video games.
NHL insider Chris Johnston of The Athletic has reported Robertson informed the Maple Leafs that he desires to be traded.
