The Seattle Kraken ended a busy week filled with important trades just before the NHL trade deadline, and many fans are wondering what this means for the team’s future. One of the biggest moves was the trade of popular forward Brandon Tanev back to the Winnipeg Jets, where he started his NHL career. This decision has brought up many emotions for Kraken fans who loved Tanev’s energy and style of play. Let’s take a closer look at the trades that the Kraken made and what they mean for the team going forward.
Brandon Tanev’s Emotional Return
Brandon Tanev, a player known for his high energy and dynamic play, was sent back to the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for a second-round draft pick in 2027. This trade provides Tanev a fresh start while also giving the Kraken valuable assets to help them improve in the future. Tanev, who played 60 games this season and scored 17 points, including nine goals, has been a fan favorite since joining the Kraken. His return to Winnipeg, where he began his professional journey, is sure to be a meaningful moment for both him and the fans of the Jets.
A Series of Trades
The trade of Tanev wasn’t the only move that the Kraken made in the past few days. Seattle’s front office has been busy, executing three trades in total leading up to the deadline. One significant trade involved sending forward Daniel Sprong to the New Jersey Devils for a seventh-round draft pick in 2026. Sprong had played 10 games for Seattle this season, alongside 19 games for their American Hockey League affiliate.
Expectations and Strategy Moving Forward
As the season progresses, the Kraken are currently positioned near the bottom of the Pacific Division with a record of 26 wins and 33 losses. With playoff chances slipping away, these trades are part of a larger strategy to build a stronger team for the future. Kraken General Manager Ron Francis has emphasized the importance of gathering draft picks, as the Kraken now hold five first-round and five second-round selections over the next three NHL drafts. This strategic move is crucial as the team aims to strengthen its roster.
The Future of the Kraken
Moving ahead, the Kraken are looking to cultivate a team that can compete at high levels in the league. With the integration of their young talent and the accumulation of draft capital, the future looks bright for the franchise. The Kraken’s recent trades indicate a commitment to developing a competitive team. As fans, we can anticipate exciting changes and a promising path ahead.
Upcoming Matches
Next on the schedule, the Seattle Kraken will try to rebound as they face off against the Philadelphia Flyers this Saturday. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how the team performs without Tanev and with the new players joining the roster. It’s all about building chemistry and finding ways to win, and every game counts as the rocket forward.
| Trade Details | Return |
|---|---|
| Brandon Tanev to Winnipeg Jets | 2027 Second-Round Draft Pick |
| Daniel Sprong to New Jersey Devils | 2026 Seventh-Round Draft Pick |
| Yanni Gourde & Oliver Bjorkstrand to Tampa Bay | Two First-Round Picks, Second-Round Pick, and Michael Eyssimont |
