Seattle Kraken: World events change the team’s trade deadline and draft plans
KHL
Russians, like Canadians and Americans, love their hockey. Lurking in the background of any Russian-born player is the Kontinetal Hockey League. That league has a history of overpaying for home-grown talent.
Until very recently, the KHL didn’t think very highly of honoring NHL contracts. Stories like Alexander Radulov leaving the Nashville Predators for the KHL in 2008 despite being under contract could happen again. Fans watching the recent Olympic games saw many players from the “Russian Olympic Committee” team with NHL ties.
Another tool they use to drive NHL teams nuts is to offer a young Russian player who didn’t make his NHL team out of training camp and headed to the minors a KHL contract. The average AHL player makes about $45K. These guys know they can get six-figure deals in the KHL.
So, for example, say the Seattle Kraken dealt for a Russian player who might need some seasoning with their AHL Coachella Valley affiliate next season to reach his potential. The specter of a KHL team swooping in and offering a big contract makes a trade like that less of an option.
Ron the Gambler?
Of course, Francis could gamble a little bit. The trade and draft value of Russian players has taken a hit due to the uncertainty. Do the Seattle Kraken buy low in hopes of getting a big payoff down the road?
Maybe, but because this is such a fluid situation, when that payoff happens could be several years away, if at all. This season isn’t the problem. Any Russian players in the NHL now will finish out the season here. Next year and the years after are the problem.
The Kraken and Francis specifically haven’t proven to be adept when it comes to making deals. Don’t expect him to go out on a limb.
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If Francis handles the trade deadline like he did the expansion draft, he'll make insanely greedy asks then not do any trades at all when other teams rightfully balk. Look where that got him.https://t.co/911ZWZjGbj
— STL Sports (@Cards_Blues) March 9, 2022
Do you think recent events have changed the Seattle Kraken trade deadline and draft strategies? Let us know in the comments section below.