The Seattle Kraken, once the darlings of the NHL after their thrilling playoff run in 2023, have hit a rough patch.After stunning the defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche and pushing the Dallas Stars to a Game Seven in the second round, the team has struggled to maintain momentum. Last season, they finished 17 points shy of the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference, and midway through this season, they’re trailing by nine points.
In a recent episode of Sportsnet’s 32 Thoughts podcast, hockey insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that the Kraken are exploring trade options beyond just offloading pending unrestricted free agents. Friedman specifically highlighted forwards Oliver Bjorkstrand and André Burakovsky as potential trade candidates. While moving either player won’t be straightforward, such deals could bolster the team’s prospect pool—a critical need for the relatively young franchise.
Bjorkstrand, who is signed through the 2025-26 season, has been a reliable contributor for Seattle. He’s on track for his third consecutive 20-goal season,showcasing his consistency as a middle-six forward. Over 206 games with the kraken, he’s tallied 53 goals and 132 points while averaging 15:49 of ice time per game. His strong possession metrics and affordable $5.4 million salary make him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their power-play units.
Burakovsky, on the other hand, has faced a more challenging path. after winning a Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2021-22, he signed a five-year, $27.5 million deal with Seattle to address the team’s scoring needs. However, injuries have plagued his tenure with the Kraken.He missed 66 games in his first two seasons and has been sidelined for three games this year. While he managed 13 goals and 39 points in 49 games during his first season, his production has dipped substantially since then. Over the past 90 regular-season games, Burakovsky has recorded just 11 goals and 32 points, making his $5.4 million salary a tough pill to swallow for the Kraken.
Given Burakovsky’s struggles, it’s no surprise that Seattle is open to moving him. However, the team shouldn’t expect a significant return. Simultaneously occurring, Bjorkstrand’s consistent performance could fetch a solid package, potentially opening the door for the Kraken to explore trades involving other players. Defenseman Jamie Oleksiak,forward Jaden Schwartz,and standout scorer Jared McCann are among those who could become expendable if the right offers come along.
As the Kraken look to rebuild and refocus, these potential trades could mark a turning point for the franchise. Whether they can turn their current challenges into long-term success remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: change is on the horizon in Seattle.
How do you think the Kraken’s goaltending will hold up in the high-pressure environment of the playoffs?
Archyde Exclusive Interview: A Deep Dive into the Seattle Kraken’s NHL 25 Season with Fictional Hockey Analyst, Ryan Calloway
By Archyde News Editor | January 14, 2025
Archyde: Welcome, Ryan Calloway, too Archyde.As a seasoned hockey analyst and former NHL scout, you’ve been closely following the Seattle Kraken’s journey in NHL 25. The team has an impressive overall rating of 87, with standout offensive (90) and defensive (91) ratings. What’s your take on their performance this season?
Ryan Calloway: Thank you for having me. The Kraken have been a fascinating team to watch this season. Their offensive and defensive ratings are among the best in the league, which speaks volumes about their depth and coaching strategy. However, their goaltending rating of 81 raises some questions. While their defense has been stellar, goaltending can make or break a team in the playoffs. It’s an area they’ll need to address if they want to make a deep postseason run.
Archyde: Speaking of depth,the kraken’s roster is packed with talent.Who do you think has been the standout player this season?
Ryan Calloway: That’s a tough one because there are so many players contributing in key ways. However, I’d have to highlight their top-line center, who’s been a force on both ends of the ice.His ability to control the game’s pace and contribute to both scoring and defensive plays has been invaluable. Additionally, their defensive core has been rock-solid, with one of their top defensemen consistently shutting down opposing teams’ stars. It’s a well-rounded group,but those two have been particularly impressive.
Archyde: The Kraken were once considered the darlings of the NHL, especially during their expansion season. How do you think their identity has evolved since then?
Ryan Calloway: Great question. In their early days, the Kraken were all about building a foundation and creating a culture. They were the new kids on the block, and everyone was rooting for them. Now, they’ve transitioned into a legitimate contender. They’re no longer just a feel-good story—they’re a team with serious aspirations. Their identity has shifted from being underdogs to being a team that expects to win every night. That’s a meaningful evolution,and it’s a testament to their management and coaching staff.
Archyde: With the playoffs on the horizon, what do you think the Kraken need to do to ensure success?
Ryan Calloway: Consistency is key. They’ve shown they can dominate games, but they’ve also had moments where they’ve let their foot off the gas. In the playoffs, every shift matters. They’ll need to tighten up their goaltending and ensure their power play remains a threat. Additionally, staying healthy will be crucial. They have the depth to handle injuries, but losing a key player at the wrong time could derail their momentum.
Archyde: what’s your prediction for the Kraken’s playoff run this year?
Ryan Calloway: I think they have the potential to make it to the Conference Finals, if not further. Their offensive and defensive ratings suggest they can compete with the best teams in the league. Though, as I mentioned earlier, goaltending will be the X-factor. If their goalie steps up and delivers in high-pressure situations, there’s no reason they can’t make a serious push for the Stanley Cup.It’s going to be an exciting postseason for Kraken fans, that’s for sure.
Archyde: Thank you, Ryan, for your insights.we’ll be keeping a close eye on the Kraken as they head into the playoffs. Best of luck to them!
Ryan Calloway: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure discussing one of the most exciting teams in the NHL. Let’s see if they can turn their potential into a championship.
Stay tuned to Archyde for more in-depth coverage of the NHL 25 season and exclusive interviews with hockey’s brightest minds.
