Definitely the kind of deal they'll have to make for cap reasons.

I agree.

Question is does Francis bite on this?

Seattle had their nice playoff run, and I imagine that Francis appreciates what a vet like Brodie could bring. For a new franchise though, they are very light on young defensemen though, Brodie would be another 30+ defender and might be seen as a bit redundant with Dumoulin and Schultz. If Seattle was tanking for certain, they make this deal so they can flip Brodie with retention, but if they feel they can be a regular playoff team in the next few years, maybe they decline and hold onto a player they feel will fit their window like Borgen

Personally I don't think Francis bites on this. Brodie's a good defenseman, but he's also 32. For a team whose contention window is just opening, the 26 year old Borgen fits their timeline much better. In my mind, there isn't much of a skill gap between the two, so there's not really a good reason for Seattle to give up someone who will contribute both now and in the future for what would essentially be a one year rental.

Fair commentary. Where Brodie can chew the minutes, there is value to Borgen's game.

So a follow up question is..... if a prospect D was attached, making this a larger deal, would that work?

Example: Brodie and Niemela for Borgen and a 3rd? Something along those lines? Would that sufficiently address what you have pointed out, or is this more about NHL ready?

That might be more interesting depending on how close Niemela is to the NHL, but this is more about current NHL contributors considering both the Leafs and Kraken are trying to contend. Borgen just fits Seattle’s contention window so well that he holds more value to the Kraken than what another team would reasonably give up for him. For that reason, I highly doubt Francis trades Borgen.

Appreciate the insight.

I do enjoy constructive feedback!