The Seattle Kraken are in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race, and with the trade deadline looming, they’re not just window-shopping - they’re looking to make a serious move. Sitting in the mix for the final Wild Card spot, Seattle is reportedly eyeing a game-changer. According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Kraken have set their sights on Artemi Panarin, and they’re willing to put top prospect Shane Wright on the table to make it happen.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t a small swing. If Seattle is going to part ways with Wright - the No. 4 overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft - they’re aiming for a home run.
Wright has long been viewed as a foundational piece for the franchise, and moving him would signal a major shift in the Kraken’s timeline. It’s not about building slowly anymore - it’s about winning now.
Friedman put it bluntly: “If they’re gonna step up to the plate with this, it’s not to bunt. It’s to swing from the heels.”
That tells you everything you need to know about how seriously Seattle is taking this playoff push. They’re not just looking for scoring help - they’re looking for someone who can tilt the ice, shift momentum, and elevate the entire roster.
Panarin fits that mold. He’s a proven offensive force, a dynamic playmaker who can slot into any top-six and instantly make it better.
But here’s the catch: Panarin controls his destiny. The Rangers winger has a full no-move clause, which means he gets to decide if Seattle - or any other team - is a destination he’s willing to consider.
And right now, that’s a major hurdle. While the Kraken may have made the call, there’s no indication Panarin is ready to commit to a team that’s still carving out its identity in the league.
Even if the Kraken could convince Panarin to waive his no-move clause, there’s another layer to consider. Wherever Panarin ends up, he’s expected to sign a long-term extension - a deal likely in the neighborhood of $50 million. That kind of commitment usually goes to teams with a legitimate shot at the Stanley Cup, and while Seattle is trending upward, they’re not quite in that tier yet.
So, if the Panarin deal doesn’t materialize - and right now, it feels like a long shot - the Kraken may need to pivot. One alternative?
The St. Louis Blues.
With the Blues sliding down the standings, they could become sellers at the deadline. That opens the door for Seattle to revisit trade talks, with Shane Wright still as the centerpiece.
Two names to watch in St. Louis: Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou.
Both are young, skilled forwards - Thomas is 26, Kyrou is 27 - but they don’t exactly match the Blues’ current trajectory. A retooling St.
Louis team might be more inclined to build around a 22-year-old center like Wright, especially one with top-line potential.
From Seattle’s perspective, Thomas and Kyrou would bring speed, skill, and a scoring touch that’s been missing at times this season. Thomas, in particular, would offer a strong two-way presence down the middle, while Kyrou's explosiveness on the wing could add another layer to the Kraken’s attack.
But here’s the wrinkle: both players have full no-move clauses. That complicates things.
Seattle’s lack of playoff pedigree doesn’t exactly help their case, either. Despite having a strong fan base and a growing hockey culture, the Kraken haven’t yet established themselves as a go-to destination for top-tier talent.
Players with full control over their futures often lean toward teams with more postseason experience or favorable tax situations - and while Washington state does offer a tax advantage, it hasn’t been enough to consistently lure stars.
Still, the fact that Seattle is even in these conversations tells you how far the franchise has come in a short time. Just a few years removed from their inaugural season, the Kraken are no longer content to sit back and play the long game. They want to win - and they’re willing to move major pieces to do it.
Whether it’s Panarin, Thomas, Kyrou, or another name entirely, one thing is clear: Seattle’s front office is ready to be aggressive. And if the right deal comes along, don’t be surprised if the Kraken make a splash that shakes up the Western Conference playoff picture.