Team: 2023-24 Seattle Kraken

Initial Creation Date: Jun. 19, 2023

Published: Jun. 19, 2023

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

I believe the Kraken's offseason is shaping up to be a fairly quiet one. Most of their core is under contract and the rest are RFAs. As such, a majority of their time and cap space will likely be spent bringing back said RFAs. However, the Kraken have the cap flexibility and assets to go after a player who would seriously upgrade their team immediately. In this first of a four part series, I will explore how Seattle could go about pursuing a difference making addition to their roster.

Trade Target: Noah Hanifin, LD, Calgary Flames

Current Situation: Hanifin has one year left on his contract with Calgary, and according to recent reports is unwilling to sign an extension with the team. As such, the Flames are likely to trade him and get a return before he becomes a UFA after next season. Calgary also has three capable LD options even without Hanifin in Weegar, Kylington, and Zadorov, so trading him could help the team fill other areas of need on the roster.

Potential fit with Seattle: The Kraken are rumored to be looking at ways to upgrade their defense this offseason, which is a bit ironic after their defensive selections in the expansion draft were lauded, while their forward group was seen as lacking. Two years later, the opposite is true; Seattle has built up an enviable forward corps of almost unmatched depth, but their defense could use a boost. As it happens, the Kraken have a void at LD after the likely departure of Soucy in free agency. They could fill this hole on the blue line with a veteran stopgap or their top defensive prospect Ryker Evans, however another option would be to add a proven top four defenseman like Hanifin. He would provide good two-way play and would help solidify the defense. Admittedly I could only see Seattle moving for Hanifin if they felt confident in their ability to extend him long term or if the trade came with a contract extension already in place. The presence of Hanifin in this hypothetical scenario would result in Oleksiak being shipped out or moved to the right side once Evans is ready for a full-time NHL role.

Making the money work: To fit Hanifin's cap hit onto the roster I sent Sprong to Calgary, who may be appealing to the Flames as he can contribute immediately as a complementary goalscorer. Hanifin's figure for this year is small enough that no other cap-clearing moves would be required. The Kraken have the long-term roster space and cap flexibility to easily fit an extension under the cap.

I'm curious to hear your thoughts, and as always constructive feedback is appreciated. Go Kraken and Go Firebirds!