To trade or not to trade?

Rumors have swirled in recent weeks that the Seattle Kraken may be open to trading key players, with Brandon Tanev and Yanni Gourde emerging as the most likely candidates. These whispers gained further traction when Kraken legend Daniel Sprong rejoined the team, suggesting that a roster shake-up might be inevitable.

However, an injury to Jordan Eberle and Vince Dunn’s delayed return have allowed Seattle to keep both Tanev and Gourde in the lineup for now. And what these two have accomplished since the trade rumors surfaced has been nothing short of remarkable.

Tanev Turning Up the Heat

Brandon Tanev has been on a tear, racking up six points over the last four games. His offensive contributions have been pivotal in turning the tide for the Kraken.

• Against Vegas: Tanev scored twice to erase a 2-0 deficit, leveling the game and setting the stage for a comeback.
• Against Columbus: He netted a crucial equalizer that sparked a Kraken victory.
• Against Chicago: Tanev sealed the win with an empty-net goal.
• Against the Islanders: He tallied assists on the opening and closing goals, both of which gave Seattle the lead.

Tanev’s ability to consistently create and finish scoring opportunities has made him one of the team’s most impactful offensive pieces during this stretch.

Gourde’s Relentless Effort

While Yanni Gourde hasn’t lit up the score sheet the way Tanev has, his contributions have been just as critical. Gourde finally broke through with his first goal of the season against the Islanders, assisted—fittingly—by Tanev.

Beyond scoring, Gourde’s relentless defensive play and knack for creating scoring chances have kept him in the spotlight. He’s been snakebitten by poor puck luck but continues to put himself in the right positions to succeed.

Dynamic Duo or Trade Chips?

Watching Tanev and Gourde on the ice, it’s hard not to be impressed by their energy, effort, and ability to make plays on both ends. For fans, they’re the type of players who light the fire under the team during tough games and deliver clutch moments when it matters most.

But the financial reality looms large. Gourde carries a $5.2 million cap hit, while Tanev’s comes in at $3.5 million. That’s a steep price for players primarily filling bottom-six roles. Even with their increased minutes and impressive play, the Kraken face a tough decision when the roster is fully healthy.

Adding to the complexity, both players are pending unrestricted free agents. The Kraken have already seen how good performances can price a player out of their plans, as was the case with Daniel Sprong two years ago.

The Tough Call Ahead

For now, fans can sit back and enjoy the show. Tanev and Gourde are delivering electric performances that make the Kraken must-watch hockey. But this ride will eventually come to an end, and the decision to trade one—or both—will be a hard pill to swallow.

On the bright side, if the Kraken decide to make a move, their recent form has likely increased their trade value. While the financial aspect makes a trade the smart business decision, losing these sparkplugs while the team is winning will be difficult to justify to a fanbase that has fallen in love with their passion and grit.

For now, grab some popcorn and enjoy the fireworks—because no matter what happens, this duo is leaving an unforgettable mark on the season.