1 Kraken player must be acquired before the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline

The The Seattle Kraken missed the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs after the surprising world of playoff hockey a year earlier. Seattle hoped they could play in 2025, and made a major coaching change as a result. Kraken hired Dan Bylsma as head coach after Dave Hakstol was fired. Unfortunately, the change of coach did not lead to a major change in the results on the ice.

at this time, Kraken is still fighting for the Wild Card in the Western Conference. Seattle has a record of 21-24-3, good for 47 points. This kept them above water compared to other Wild Card contenders. But they remain four points behind the Calgary Flames for the West’s final playoff spot.

Seattle is likely to be a seller in 2025 NHL Trade Deadline comes around. The Kraken have several veterans they could move at the deadline in exchange for future assets. for example, veteran center Ianni Gourde is a trade candidate to watch this winter.

However, that doesn’t mean the Kraken won’t be added to its roster. In fact, there is an opportunity for them to do so. Seattle has a reputation for flying on the wing players of the land reclamation project. And as for the younger wing players, they have been quite successful.

Kraken could add a younger winger to its ranks this winter. He doesn’t have the pedigree that some of their other wings had before he joined the team. Either way, he’s a once-prospect winger who needs a change of scene. Seattle is a logical fit for this player.

The Kraken should take a look at Nick Robertson of the Maple Leafs

As mentioned, Kraken has had success developing wing players. Eeli Tolvanen has become a regular part of their lineup following his 2022-23 waiver claim. More recently, Kraken traded for Kaapo Kakko in a deal with the New York Rangers. Kakko was an incredible success for Seattle, scoring four goals and 13 points in 25 games.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson is a trade candidate this season. In fact, he sought a replacement during the summer, but nothing happened. Robertson signed a one-year contract to stay in Toronto this year. But a trade still seems likely. Especially considering his offensive struggles in 2024-25.

Robertson showed promise in 2023-24 when he put up the best offensive numbers of his career. The Maple Leafs forward scored 14 goals and 27 points in 56 games. Over the course of 82 games, this resulted in a 21-goal, 39-point campaign for the former second-round pick.

However, its production declined in 2024-25. He has eight goals and 12 points in 40 games for Toronto. This is accomplished at a pace of 15 goals and 22 points over 74 games. It is certainly a disappointing performance after what he achieved a season ago.

At this point, it’s clear that things aren’t working out in Toronto. Robertson needs a fresh start, and the Maple Leafs could use his roster spot for a more established player. The Kraken has some players that make a lot of sense for Toronto. Gourde is one name the Maple Leafs could pursue before the 2025 NHL trade deadline.

Robertson could find his stride again in Seattle. The Kraken also needs some offensive punch. Seattle gives up 2.96 goals per game, about midway through the league. Robertson certainly won’t raise those numbers alone. But if he succeeds in the Pacific Northwest, he could form an intriguing wing trio with Tolvanen and Kakka for the foreseeable future.