PSA for everyone trying to trade for Larsson and Borgen

Team: 2023-24 Seattle Kraken

Initial Creation Date: Nov. 1, 2023

Published: Nov. 23, 2023

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

I've seen a lot of AGCMs with people attempting to pry Adam Larsson and/or Will Borgen out of Seattle. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news for all of you, but barring a mammoth offer Ron Francis cannot refuse, I find it hard to envision either Larsson or Borgen being traded. There are two main reasons for this:

1. Seattle's still in contention for a playoff spot - As of today the Kraken are in a playoff spot and are far from being sellers. Despite the slow start, they are still largely the same team as last year and are more than capable of making a run. Larsson and Borgen are key pieces of that and would be near impossible to replace should they be dealt midseason. Neither's point totals leap off the page, but Larsson and Borgen make their names on defense, with contributions that often don't show up on the stat sheet. Larsson soaks up tough defensive minutes against the best of the opposition and is exceptional at denying zone entries, and recovering the puck and facilitating zone exits. His presence also allows Dunn to venture forward more and pitch in on offense. Borgen meanwhile is one half of the Kraken's shutdown pairing and and is a more physical defenseman who plays more in his own zone, breaking up opposing plays and preventing scoring chances. Larsson and Borgen play different defensive styles, but both are crucial to the Kraken as a whole.

2. Seattle's long term contention window is just opening, so they won't be holding a fire sale - Even if the Kraken end up selling this trade deadline, it will be more of a soft sell that allows them to reload for next year. That means veteran rentals like Eberle, Schultz, and Wennberg would be much more likely to move, while players like Larsson and Borgen who still have term left on their deals would likely stick around and aid in the planned turnaround.

Below are potential trade valuations for Seattle's possible veteran rentals should they conduct a soft sell. Keep in mind that the deadline is so far away it's very difficult to determine team-specific needs and player values, so I made some guesses. The teams are not really super important though for the purpose of this exercise. It's also entirely possible that the Kraken continue fighting for a playoff spot and aren't sellers at all come deadline time. It's a long season and anything can happen over the next few months.

As always, helpful feedback is appreciated. A very Happy Thanksgiving to all those who celebrate!

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