Konecny a Kraken

Team: 2023-24 Seattle Kraken

Initial Creation Date: Jun. 27, 2023

Published: Jun. 27, 2023

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Konecny looks like an ideal fit for the Kraken, but getting the deal done will be tough.
Firstly a space has to be made in the Top 9 for him.
Beniers, McCann, Bjorky, Bura and Gourde aren't going anywhere.
Schwartz has a full NMC.
Wennberg has a 10-team no trade list. He'd also leave a big hole down the middle which Wright isn't ready to step into yet (I think he ends up in the AHL one way or another).
Eberle has a 16-team no trade list. Economically he makes the most sense and Flyers might be happy to have him given the deadline trade chip he could become to accrue yet more assets next season. However, he's a pivotal piece of the leadership team in Seattle and for that reason I don't see him being moved.
That leaves Tolvanen. A diamond of a waiver claim, though not quite an untouchable core piece and also an attractive bit for trade.
Francis won't want to go without a first round pick this Summer, but he may find a willing trade partner for Tolavanen with the Blues as they look to use their multiple 1sts to acquire young forwards to put with Thomas and Kyrou and could send pick #25 to Seattle.
Now Francis can package pick #20 with the extra 2nd round picks and the rights to Sprong, a cost-controlled forward the Flyers will be able to give more prominent minutes to. That gives them a serviceable player to put on the ice and plenty to stock their draft cupboard with, which would seem like a good step on their tear down.
Konecny's contract runs long enough that other Kraken pieces will have expired, making the way to re-sign him smooth. It does squeeze things somewhat this season. I don't see the Kraken moving Driedger, though that is the obvious solution. Instead you're relying on the RFAs all coming in on decent amounts, which feels tight.
Ultimately I think Francis would settle for sliding back 5 spots in the draft to land Konecny, at a cost of a waiver claim, an RFA they can't afford, a surplus G (Vanecek got us pick #50) and a 2nd round pick. That feels like good business across 2 seasons!

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