Tanev Faces Former Team as Jets Take on Kraken

SEATTLE – Brandon Tanev didn’t have to wait long after the trade deadline to face his former team. Just nine days after being traded from the Seattle Kraken to the Winnipeg Jets, the 33-year-old found himself walking into the visitors’ room at Climate Pledge Arena for the first time.

“I’ve never been in this room before,” Tanev said with a grin. “It’s one of those things where it’s going to be nice to see some old teammates and some friends. But when the puck drops, it’s business as usual. It’s nice to be in a familiar place so soon.”

The speedy forward was an original member of the Kraken, selected in the Expansion Draft from the Pittsburgh Penguins in July 2021. Over his tenure with the Kraken, Tanev played 239 regular season games, accumulating 83 points, including 41 goals.

“You’re grateful for the opportunity and the experience here in Seattle,” Tanev added. “We were able to build something and had some great memories over the almost four years. I made some great friends. The organization treated me extremely well.”

Tanev registered his first point, an assist, in his second game back with the Jets during their 4-1 victory over the Dallas Stars on Friday night. This win marked Winnipeg’s second consecutive victory, improving their record to 9-4-3 against the Pacific Division and solidifying their 10-point lead over Dallas in the Central Division.

Despite their success, the Jets (46-17-4) are remaining focused as they prepare for a challenging matchup against Seattle tonight. Previous encounters with the Kraken have been tightly contested, with eight of the last nine meetings decided by just one goal.

<p“Their team looks a bit different this season,” said Jets forward Mason Appleton. “It’s a time when players are proving themselves and looking to earn contracts. We have to focus on what makes us good and how we play this game.”

Jets goalie Eric Comrie, who is set to start tonight, has a record of 7-8-1 this season with a 0.914 save percentage. Head coach Scott Arniel emphasized the need for the team to provide support in front of Comrie.

<p“Getting good positioning in front of Coms is vital,” Arniel said. “We’ll need to give him the run support he needs.”

Winnipeg is projected to line up with Connor, Scheifele, and Vilardi on the first line, while the second line features Ehlers, Namestnikov, and Perfetti. The third line includes Niederreiter, Lowry, and Appleton, with Tanev, Barron, and Iafallo on the fourth line. Defensively, Morrissey and DeMelo lead, followed by Samberg and Schenn, and lastly Fleury with Miller.

On the other side, the Kraken (29-34-4) find themselves in a tough position, sitting 11 points out of a wildcard spot in the Western Conference. Despite challenges this season, Seattle has performed well at home, winning their last two games against Montreal and Utah.

<p“This Seattle team is dangerous, especially in transition,” Arniel noted. “We need to be ready for their attack and avoid getting caught up in a high-scoring back-and-forth game.”

<p“For us, it doesn’t matter where the other team stands,” Appleton stated. “Every game requires hard work and dedication from both sides.”

Puck drop for the matchup is scheduled for 8 p.m. CT.