Here are Possible Kraken Skaters on the Move Next Season

As the summer rolls along for the Seattle Kraken, the roster has just about taken shape for next season. With some big names designated to hit the free agency market after the 2024-25 season, the Kraken may move these players long before the year is out, depending on the team's status.

Here are some Kraken skaters who could find themselves in new uniforms by the trade deadline next season.

Yanni Gourde is a prime candidate for a trade at the 2024-25 deadline. Aside from his rookie campaign with the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he scored 64 points, Gourde has been a consistent high-30 to mid-40 point player. His $5 million AAV contract isn't ideal for the Kraken.

Gourde's main appeal is his playoff experience with the Lightning, where he was a key player in their back-to-back Stanley Cup wins. He also excelled in the Kraken's playoff run in 2022-23, with 13 points in 14 games. However, given his salary, the Kraken might be better off trading him to a contender seeking playoff experience. His trade value will fluctuate, especially after a challenging 2023-24 season with 11 goals and 22 assists in 80 games.

Defenseman Adam Larsson is another player whose trade value will likely fluctuate throughout the year. With his contract expiring after the next season and the addition of Brandon Montour to the blueline at a $7 million AAV price tag, keeping Larsson might require a hometown discount.

The 31-year-old Swede has been a dependable defensive player for most of his 13-year career. Known for his defensive prowess rather than offensive skills, he has improved offensively since joining the Kraken from the Edmonton Oilers in the Expansion Draft. Larsson has scored 20 goals and added 56 assists in 245 games for Seattle, surpassing his stats with the New Jersey Devils and Edmonton Oilers.

Larsson's future with the Kraken will come down to price. Currently earning $4 million a year, he could stay with the team on a 2-year, $2.5 million AAV deal. However, if he has a career year by February or early March, he might be moved to maximize his value.