NHL insider Frank Seravalli says the Seattle Kraken are possibly preparing for a big trade

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Daniel Lucente
November 4, 2024 (7:36 PM)

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NHL insider Frank Seravalli said that the Seattle Keaken have a surplus of players once all their injuries heal, which could force the team to make a big trade.

From the looks of it, the Seattle Kraken haven't had an easy run since making their first-ever Stanley Cup Playoffs appearance a couple of seasons ago. Coming off the disastrous showing last season that cost head coach Dave Hakstol his job, the start of the 2024-25 season isn't much smoother. The team presently stands at 5-7-1 after having lost six of their last seven games. But through all that, the Kraken remains optimistic about making another playoff run and turning the season around.

General Manager Ron Francis might have to pull off a bit of a hail mary to improve those odds. Recently, Frank Seravalli of the Daily Faceoff suggested that because the Kraken is overflowing with forwards, they could make a surprise trade. That would put many of their core players at the mercy of the trading block and leave fans and analysts speculating about what such a move would look like. With Seattle starting the season right amid offensive struggles, there is the feeling of reshuffling being necessary to reinvigorate the roster.

Seravalli pegged forwards Brandon Tanev and Yanni Gourde as candidates to be on the move. Each has turned into a fan favorite and a key contributor since their arrival in the 2021 expansion draft. Competition for lineup spots is tighter now with Seattle's acquisitions of star talent. Moving one of those key players may be the shakeup the Kraken needs to regain momentum.

Well before this report, both Tanev and Gourde had interest around the league, but no offers have yet been tempting enough for the Kraken to pull the trigger. Management is presumably weighing options carefully, balancing contributions from either player against the value coming back in a trade. The right deal may prove to be what Seattle needs to get back on track.

It is a crossroads now that has become crucial in the young franchise history of the Seattle Kraken. Fighting their way to reach the playoffs, they are not forgetting that underwhelming start. And while it's never fun to trade away a valued player, it may well be what Seattle needs to do if it ever wants to find some real success.