NHL Trade Deadline Sparks Major Moves for Kraken, Lightning Prepare for Playoffs

SEATTLE, Wash. — As the NHL Trade Deadline approaches on March 7, 2025, the Seattle Kraken are poised to reshape their roster amid a challenging season. General Manager Ron Francis is expected to oversee significant player movements, creating a buzz among fans and analysts alike.

The stakes are high as the deadline looms. Current reports suggest that the Kraken have one of the most challenging schedules in the league, ranking second among contenders, which could impact their strategy leading into the playoffs.

In a notable trade, the Tampa Bay Lightning acquired forwards Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand from Seattle in exchange for two first-round picks and other assets. Lightning GM Julien BriseBois highlighted the urgency to bolster their lineup, stating, “We are committed to maximizing our championship window, and adding players of their caliber will greatly enhance our scoring depth.”

Meanwhile, for the Kraken, the trade marks a critical pivot toward rebuilding after a disappointing season. Francis emphasized the need to look toward the future. “We have to evaluate our roster closely and make the necessary changes to create a stronger foundation for the coming years,” he said.

Brandon Tanev of the Kraken has recently gained attention, landing at #8 on NHL Network’s “Top 20 Unrestricted Free Agent Trade Targets.” In addition, former Kraken Ryan Donato’s breakout season in Chicago signals the potential opportunities for Seattle to capitalize on their assets.

The Kraken’s recent performance also underscores their position in the draft lottery, where a poor record increases their chances of securing a top pick. The team currently holds the 2nd-toughest schedule, raising questions about their ability to recover in the final weeks of the season.

Following their recent trade, Mikey Eyssimont made his presence felt on the ice, scoring a goal during a match against Nashville. Eyssimont expressed his excitement about joining the Kraken, saying, “I think we started to trust each other more as the game went on, and that turned into a little bit of offense.”

As the trade deadline approaches, the Kraken face the challenge of balancing short-term performance with long-term restructuring. Although they have previously executed fewer trades on deadline days, the urgency of the current situation may prompt a more active approach this time around.

The Kraken are set to face the Philadelphia Flyers next at home on Saturday at 12:30 PM PST, and all eyes will be on them as they navigate this crucial period in their season.