The Seattle Kraken have made significant moves as the NHL trade deadline approached, finalizing a series of trades that have caught the attention of fans and sports analysts alike. In a whirlwind of activity, the Kraken traded their beloved forward Brandon Tanev back to the Winnipeg Jets, part of a strategy aimed at building the team’s future.
Major Trades in a Flurry of Activity
In just three days, the Kraken wrapped up multiple trades, culminating in Tanev’s departure from Seattle. The team, which holds a record of 26 wins, 33 losses, and 4 overtime losses this season, is focused on rejuvenating their roster, as they find themselves outside of playoff contention.
- Daniel Sprong was traded to the New Jersey Devils for a 2026 seventh-round draft pick.
- The Kraken also acquired Michael Eyssimont from Tampa Bay and received a 2025 second-round pick.
- In a surprising twist, Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand were sent to Tampa Bay, bringing in even more draft picks.
- Seattle is now looking at five first-round and five second-round picks in the upcoming NHL drafts.
Brandon Tanev Returns to Winnipeg
Tanev’s move back to Winnipeg signals both a homecoming and a step towards the future for the Kraken. He was known for his energetic play and hard-working attitude during his time in Seattle, where he quickly became a fan favorite. The Kraken traded him for a 2027 second-round draft pick, a move that was mutually agreed upon as both the player and team welcomed the trade.
Tanev began his NHL career with the Jets, playing there from 2015 to 2019 before heading to Pittsburgh and eventually joining the Kraken. This trade is part of a larger trend where the Kraken are collecting valuable draft picks, allowing them to reshape their team around promising young talents like Matty Beniers and Shane Wright.
Seattle’s Focus on Future Building
As the trades unfold, it’s clear that the Kraken are looking at the long game. With several key players on the move, the emphasis is on creating a solid foundation for coming seasons. Each draft pick gained through these trades gives Seattle an opportunity to select young players who can develop and grow within the franchise.
The Kraken’s management has expressed optimism about their strategy, outlining plans to generate excitement and energy around the team as they prepare for future competitions. This focus on youth and potential is a significant shift, especially in light of their current standings.
Upcoming Games and What’s Next
As the Kraken take a moment to regroup after the flurry of trades, their next challenge is against the Philadelphia Flyers, which is scheduled for Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. The game will air nationally on ABC, giving fans a chance to see how this new chapter unfolds for their team.
While it’s tough to lose a player like Tanev, the Kraken look to their future with hope and determination. Fans remain excited to see how these changes will impact the team’s performance and to cheer on fresh talent taking the ice in Seattle.
