12 big-ticket players who could come to the Seattle Kraken
Ed Stein
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Unlike earlier expansion drafts, the Seattle Kraken can select or trade for high-dollar players at or near their primes.
Expansion drafts are usually marked by the new team selecting a bunch of has-been or never-was players. It’s a little different now, as evidenced by the team Vegas put together a few years ago. Seattle Kraken General Manager Ron Francis has an opportunity to add some big-ticket players who are in, or close to, their respective prime years.
Big Names that don’t work
Brent Burns – Defenseman, San Jose Sharks, 36-years-old, $8.0M (Average Annual Cap Hit) through 2025
Brent Burns has a king-sized contract to go along with his king-sized slapshot. Carrying an $8M cap hit through his 40th birthday is too much for the Kraken to take on. The beard would have been cool to see over Kraken colors.
Dustin Brown – Right Wing, Los Angeles Kings
A mainstay of both the Los Angeles Kings and USA Hockey, Dustin Brown is an exceptional leader. For that reason, it’s difficult to see him leaving L.A. in the expansion draft. Besides, there are better options to select from the Kings.
Mark Giordano, D, Calgary Flames, 37, $6.75M – 2022
At one time, Mark Giordano was among the league’s top defenseman. With a $6.75M AAV, his pay is much more than his production. Granted, that applies to many players on his list, but what he would bring to the Kraken is far less than others who made the main list.
The Flames will leave their captain unprotected. But they also won’t incentivize Seattle to take him.
Not a chance
All these players are either too old, cost too much money, or both.
- Frans Nielson, C, Detroit Red Wings, 37, $5.25M – 2022
- Zach Parise, LW, Minnesota Wild, 36, $7.54M – 2025
- Ryan McDonagh, D, Tampa Bay Lightning, 31, $6.75M – 2026
- Shea Weber, D, Montreal Canadiens, 36, $7.59M – 2026
- Loui Eriksson, W, Vancouver Canucks, 35, $6M – 2022
- Adam Henrique, C, Anaheim Ducks, 31, $5.83M – 2024