The Seattle Kraken continue to make waves by sending players back to their former teams. This time, they’ve traded Brandon “Turbo” Tanev to the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for a second-round pick. It’s another move that underscores Seattle’s commitment to converting expiring contracts into future assets, following the Kaapo Kakko trade earlier this season and the more recent blockbuster that saw key players depart for draft capital.
A familiar homecoming for Tanev
Tanev is no stranger to Winnipeg, having spent his first four seasons with the Jets before the Pittsburgh Penguins signed him in 2019. His return marks a reunion with the organization that first recognized his potential as an energy player and penalty-killing specialist. Though he became a beloved figure in Seattle, the Kraken have decided it’s time to move on, prioritizing picks that could bolster the franchise down the road. Fans will undoubtedly miss Tanev’s tenacious forechecking and his knack for sparking a raucous shift whenever he hit the ice.
Brandon Tanev has been traded to the Winnipeg Jets, per @DarrenDreger pic.twitter.com/QGuUSdVJVf
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) March 7, 2025
The epitome of Kraken identity
From the moment Seattle selected Tanev in the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft, he represented exactly what the Kraken were trying to build: fearless hockey and relentless hustle. His tireless energy was on full display during their first ever playoff series win over the Colorado Avalanche, as he constantly hounded opposing forwards and helped stifle Colorado’s elite firepower. Even in the regular season, Tanev quickly emerged as a fan favorite for his high-octane style, infectious enthusiasm, and occasional comedic flair (as seen on his now-famous headshot photos).
For much of this season, Tanev skated on a bottom-six line with Yanni Gourde and Tye Kartye—a trio that could only be described as the “chaos crew.” Their approach was simple: full throttle from the moment the puck dropped. They became an unexpected source of offense, often outworking more skilled lines through sheer persistence. Though injuries and line shuffles eventually broke up this dynamic unit, they remained a bright spot in an otherwise inconsistent season for the Kraken.
Seattle’s deadline strategy
Heading into the season, it was clear that if the Kraken weren’t firmly in playoff contention, they would likely be sellers come deadline time. Tanev’s departure marks the third upcoming free agent contract the team has offloaded, indicating a clear focus on stockpiling picks. While it’s never easy to part with a beloved player, general manager Ron Francis has decided that the franchise’s future success hinges on building a strong pipeline of young talent, whether through the draft or subsequent trades.
Though seeing Tanev leave is bittersweet, many Seattle supporters understand the bigger picture. The “Turbo” era might be over, but the youth movement is already in motion. With Tanev now bound for Winnipeg, the Kraken are banking on another valuable draft selection that could serve as a cornerstone for their growing roster. Meanwhile, fans will fondly remember Tanev’s endless hustle and unique brand of chaos that helped define Seattle hockey in its earliest chapters.