Let’s get real: The Seattle Kraken weren’t going anywhere this season and it became more than apparent when they couldn’t get a jump start following the 4 Nations Face-Off break. Now, they have just 56 points on the year, and the writing was on the wall for a trade.
So, let’s break everything down in case you haven’t heard about the big trade. The Kraken sent Oliver Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde to the East Coast, with Gourde initially going to the Detroit Red Wings, who were also involved to forge the deal as they retained 50 percent of his contract. The Wings then sent Gourde to the Tampa Bay Lightning for a conditional fourth-rounder in 2025 as a ‘thank you.’
But, the Kraken weren’t leaving the table empty-handed, and they got a conditional top-10 protected first-rounder from Tampa in 2026 and 2027, Michael Eyssimont, plus a second-rounder in this year’s draft. The Lightning also received Kyle Aucoin, plus a 2026 fifth-round pick.
Yeah, that’s a lot to digest, and while it shows that the Kraken have more than conceded the season, you can’t help but like what they got.
Kraken making this massive trade was the right move for the circumstances
The Seattle Kraken are a team that’s not going to get any better the way they currently are, and it’s something we probably should have had an inkling of last season. Honestly, trading for a pair of conditional first-round picks, plus a second-rounder was more than in this team’s best interests, and Eyssimont is one of those physical, fourth-line wingers who can intimidate opponents.
Yeah, the Kraken are going to have it even rougher than they already had for the rest of the season, as Bjorkstrand was their fourth-highest points producer and Gourde was a solid scorer in the middle-six and someone who could win consistent face-offs.
Bjorkstrand’s departure also means the Kraken lost a player in his prime, but still, for two conditional first-round picks and with a team at just 56 measly points, it’s something I’m taking time and again, without hesitation. For Kraken fans, all eyes will be on the NHL Draft for the next three seasons.
Kraken may be entering a painful retooling period, but…
It all depends on how many players they can keep together, but talents like Shane Wright, Matty Beniers, Kaapo Kakko, and Eeli Tolvanen should give this fanbase a lot of hope. There’s a core in Seattle, and that’s something the Kraken will continue to build over the next few drafts.
Yeah, the rest of this season is a wash, and chances are, the same thing will occur next year, too. But, the future will be bright for the Kraken should they hit home runs on their upcoming draft picks and build a solid program that can climb to the top of the NHL.
For someone like me, who likes following rebuilding franchises, I’ll have my eye on the Kraken as they embark on this rebuilding odyssey. It will be fun to watch not just a team, but a program, grow up alongside one another.