Middle-six boosters
While Tanev might be the most obvious trade piece, the Kraken could also look to move some other valuable forwards who still have term left on their contracts. Oliver Bjorkstrand and Jaden Schwartz stand out as two players who could immediately slot into a playoff contender’s second or third line and provide a jolt of offense.
Oliver Bjorkstrand

Ever since he broke into the NHL full-time, Oliver Bjorkstrand has been a steady source of offense. He’s recorded at least 20 goals in five of his last six seasons and never dipped below 35 points in that span. This year, he’s at 34 points with 15 goals, which places him right on pace to crack 20 once again. He’s signed for a cost of around $5.4 million, with one more year of control after this season—a manageable cap hit for teams looking to win now but also not a pure rental. That blend of short-term impact and cost certainty might be intriguing to a front office that wants to bolster its forward lines beyond this season.
Jaden Schwartz

On the flip side, Jaden Schwartz has experienced more ups and downs in recent years. Injuries and inconsistency have marred a few of his past seasons, but he’s on a roll in 2024-25, leading the Kraken with 18 goals and adding 18 assists for 36 points. Like Bjorkstrand, Schwartz carries a similar $5.5 million cap hit, and he also has one more year left on his deal. A team desperate for secondary scoring could see him as a prime target, assuming his current hot streak continues and he stays healthy.
For the Kraken, parting with Bjorkstrand or Schwartz would sting. Both are capable of producing in the right situations, and they’ve become key cogs in the offense at times. But if general manager Ron Francis can package one of them for a return that includes future picks or promising young talent, it might be a no-brainer for a club that’s aiming to build around Matty Beniers, Shane Wright, and Kakko.