Seattle Kraken: Trade deadline is key for team’s future
Potential returns
When Francis does move on from these players, it would be best to embrace the state of the team. He’ll need to acquire picks and prospects, such as Owen Tippett who Florida reportedly is willing to move. The best bet is likely to build for two or three years down the line.
Pushing for an expedited build would almost certainly fail, all things considered. These things take time. The more draft picks Seattle can acquire for the upcoming draft the better. The 2022 draft class looks strong, so it would be smart to capitalize on all that high-end talent.
If he can add one or two first-rounders, then he’ll have quite a few skilled options. With the team’s current position, there’s a high chance they’ll end up with a top-five pick based on performance. Shane Wright, Matthew Savoie, and even Brad Lambert are all highly regarded prospects. Each could be difference-makers in a few years, if not sooner. Lambert’s value is dropping quickly due to a down season. His status is very similar to Aatu Raty’s draft year and he has been phenomenal since.
Ron Francis certainly has a lot on his plate, however, the biggest key to the trade deadline is simple. He can’t do what he did at the expansion draft and stand pat as the future of the Kraken depends on it.
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Who do you think the Seattle Kraken will move at the NHL Trade Deadline? Let us know in the comments section below.