Kraken Will Still Be Active After Multiple Trades

The Seattle Kraken have been one of the most active teams this offseason and especially over the last 48 hours as they have acquired both Mason Marchment and Joe Veleno while moving out Andre Burakovsky. This alters the look of their forward group, but there is still some room to maneuver and upgrade more.

According to Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts, it is not the last we've heard of Seattle and they are definitely active. While this was stated prior to the confirmation of the Burakovsky/Veleno swap with the Chicago Blackhawks, the Kraken are clearly not trying to finish below the playoff line this season as they feel like it is the time to take that step back into the playoffs.

The forward group doesn't have any stars as it stands now, but the group is deep, which is what it was when the team made it to the second round of the playoffs and knocked off the Colorado Avalanche in Round 1. Not only should Seattle be at least looking for another forward for the bottom-6, an upgrade on defense and goaltending is also required.

The fourth line of the Kraken should now look like Veleno centering Tye Kartye and Jani Nyman. The latter could start out in the AHL as he only played 12 games for Seattle this season. I expect him to eventually move into a full time role, but not just yet. There are also some talented forward prospects on their way.

On defense, the top five look solid, but Josh Mahura and the recently signed Cale Fleury should battle it out for the seventh spot. The third pairing needs an upgrade as neither of them should be everyday NHLers with what they have shown. This could come from a trade similar to the Marchment deal where a team needs to move some money, or in free agency. I think free agency is a little more likely.

Philipp Grubauer is a very likely buyout candidate. The team can't keep seeing the same poor goaltending and continue forward if they want a chance to win every night. Joey Daccord is the clear number one and a good goalie, so it cost too much to acquire a backup. This too will likely come from free agency, but there are a few backups available.