NHL Trade: Kyle Aucoin Joins Kraken Amid Roster Shake-Up

SEATTLE, Wash. — Defenseman Kyle Aucoin has been traded from the Detroit Red Wings to the Seattle Kraken in a multi-team deal announced on March 5, 2025. The trade is expected to enhance the Kraken’s defensive lineup, following a recent game where they allowed four goals against the Minnesota Wild.

Aucoin, who has yet to record any game stats this season, has not participated in games, raising questions regarding his integration into the Kraken’s lineup. However, the team believes that adding depth on defense will help improve their performance as they face the challenge of the upcoming games.

The trade was part of a complex transaction involving the Tampa Bay Lightning, which also saw notable players such as Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand changing teams. Under the terms of the agreement, Seattle received forward Michael Eyssimont, along with conditional draft picks, while Detroit obtained a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.

Ron Francis, general manager of the Kraken, commented on the move, stating, “Decisions like these are never easy, but creating this valuable cap space and draft capital allows us to be active in improving our team moving forward.”

Despite Aucoin’s lack of game time this season, he brings potential to strengthen the Kraken as they remain 11 points behind the Calgary Flames for a playoff position in the Western Conference.

The multi-team trade reflects the ongoing strategic adjustments within the NHL, as teams look to optimize their rosters in pursuit of playoff success. The Kraken currently sport a 26-32-4 record, hoping that recent acquisitions will spark a turnaround as the season progresses.