The Seattle Kraken are being linked to one of the biggest names in the league if he ever reaches free agency. According to David Pagnotta on the NHL Rumour Report, Seattle is a team that would be ready to go all-in on Nikita Kucherov.
“They wanna add some impact players to this roster; this is certainly a team I think would throw everything at Nikita Kucherov in July.”
Out in San Jose, the Sharks are still trying to dig themselves out of a rough start. Curtis Pashelka of The Mercury News noted that the Sharks are 7-11-1 and sitting outside a playoff spot, which is not where they expected to be.
One of the bigger issues has been the lack of secondary scoring. There are also reports that GM Mike Grier does not want to make a coaching change, so the front office may look for another way to shake things up.
One possible route would be a major trade, and the Sharks have already made a serious push for Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson. That offer was turned down.
Edvinsson, an RFA, has to be signed by December 1 if he is going to play this season, which keeps the pressure on. The question now is whether San Jose would be willing to put Michael Misa and another asset into the deal, or whether the price could come down closer to the deadline.
Pittsburgh is another team drawing plenty of trade chatter, with Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now laying out what various Penguins could bring back. The return for Evgeni Malkin would be more about symbolism than impact, and the era of first-round picks in that kind of deal is over. Kris Letang’s value is considered low, so the expectation there is limited.
Erik Karlsson is a different case because his no-movement clause gives him control over where he could go. The Penguins could retain as much as 50 percent of his salary to widen the market, and teams such as the Boston Bruins, Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Washington Capitals were mentioned as possible fits. Even then, the return would likely be a B-level prospect and a draft pick, just not a first-rounder.
Rickard Rakell, who has another year left at $5 million, could bring back a second- and third-round pick or a second-rounder and a young player. Seattle, the LA Kings, Anaheim Ducks, NY Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks, and Buffalo Sabres were listed as possible landing spots.
Bryan Rust is also drawing interest. He has one more year at $5 million, and teams including the San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks could be in the mix. The return on Rust could be a first and a lesser prospect, or a quality young player and a second-round pick.
In Other News...
Kraken Head To Finland With Injury Concerns Suddenly Looming
The Krakens trip to Helsinki for the 2026-27 NHL Global Series comes with a little more uncertainty than the club probably wanted. Seattle is already managing injuries to forwards Jared McCann and Jacob Melanson, along with defenseman Ryan Lindgren, which has put a little more pressure on the roster as the team settles in for the overseas showcase.
To give itself some extra cover, Seattle recalled forward Logan Morrison and goaltender Nikke Kokko from Coachella Valley. The moves give the Kraken more flexibility if the injury situation worsens during the Finland swing, while also adding another layer of intrigue to a trip that already carries plenty of spotlight for the organization. [Read more 🡒]
Jordan Eberle Just Showed What Seattle Needs From Its Captain
Jordan Eberle stepped into the captaincy just before the 2024-25 season, becoming only the second player to wear that letter in Kraken history, and the way he describes the job fits the moment in Seattle. He is not talking about the role as a ceremonial honor so much as a daily standard, one built around doing his part on the ice while helping younger players settle in and understand what the team expects.
Eberle also made clear this is not a one-man assignment, which matters for a club trying to keep its footing as it builds its identity. The Krakens leadership structure has depth around him, and the bigger challenge now is turning that group into the kind of steady, positive presence that can shape the room long after the speeches end. [Read more 🡒]
Kraken Youth Program Is Opening More Seattle Kids To The Ice
The Krakens youth skating initiative is back for a sixth season, continuing a partnership with One Roof Foundation and Refugee Womens Alliance that is helping open the ice to Seattle kids who might not otherwise get the chance. About 95 children across five Seattle schools are taking part, with weekly sessions at Kraken Community Iceplex designed to build balance, coordination and confidence while keeping the cost barrier low for families who may not be able to afford lessons or equipment.
For the team, it is another reminder that the community side of the franchise has become a real part of its identity, not just a side project. The program gives young skaters a first taste of the rink and a path to keep going once they are comfortable, which matters in a city where access can make all the difference in whether a child ever gets to the ice in the first place. [Read more 🡒]