With the Kraken sitting at a 23-28-3 record and trending more toward a top draft pick than a playoff berth this season, it’s time to take a look at possible moves the Seattle Kraken might make as the trade deadline looms about a month away. It’s never easy to see favorite players go, but the reality is that selling could put us on a better path for future success—especially with a chance to bolster our prospects or pick up valuable draft capital.
In this Deep Dive, we’ll explore which Kraken players could be on the move, how the Kaapo Kakko trade has breathed new life into our top line, and why gearing up for the future might be the best approach right now. Release the Kraken, indeed—on the trade market!
Riding the Kaapo Kakko wave
The season might be underwhelming from a standings perspective, but one bright spot has been the addition of Kaapo Kakko. Acquired from the New York Rangers earlier this season, Kakko came in as a promising young forward who just needed a fresh start. After a brief settling-in period, he’s found real chemistry on the top line with Matty Beniers and Jaden Schwartz.
In just 21 games with the Kraken, Kakko has racked up 16 points (5 goals, 11 assists). Add that to the 14 points he notched in New York, and he’s now sitting just 10 points away from his career-high of 40. He’s also just nine goals shy of his season-best tally and one assist away from tying his all-time assist record.
Beyond the raw numbers, Kakko’s presence has had a ripple effect on the offense. His skills in tight spaces and ability to create plays out of nothing have buoyed the top line, making it a legitimate threat whenever they’re on the ice. If there’s a lesson to be learned, it’s that the right long-term investments—even mid-season—can pay dividends. That sort of mindset is exactly what the Kraken need as we turn our gaze to the trade deadline.