The Kraken traded for Minnesota Wild center Frederick Gaudreau on Thursday in exchange for a 4th-round pick in this year’s NHL Draft that starts Friday.
It’s a bit of head scratcher from a Wild fan’s perspective. Gaudreau is a solid two-way player, a strong face-off guy, and a shoot-out wizard who can chip in somewhere between 15 and 20 goals a season. He’s not a top-line guy by any stretch, but he’s a very solid 3rd-liner, probably a 4th-liner on a Stanley Cup contender.
The Kraken are piling up centers. Will they re-package Gaudreau as part of a deal to bring in a star at the top of the line-up, or are they simply creating depth and competition.
While a couple of these guys can play on the wing, they’ve got Chandler Stephenson, Matty Beniers, Shane Wright, Gaudreau, Joe Veleno, 2024 1st-rounder Berkly Catton, all slated for potential competition in the middle.
Ryan Winterton, another prospect, is likely one of those slipping to the wing, a spot that could see Veleno and even Stephenson if a higher end move is made.
New Kraken General Manager Jason Botterill isn’t shy about making deals, in stark contrast to his predecessor and current President of Hockey Operations Ron Francis.
“Frederick’s a versatile skater who plays a strong two-way game,” Botterill said in a prepared statement. “He gives us depth down the middle and has the ability to produce offensively. He’s a player that can be trusted on the defensive side of the puck, especially on the penalty kill. We’re excited to welcome him to the team.”
“A good human being as well,” added Wild play-by-play man Joe O’Donnell. “He’s a good teammate, friendly guy, always has a smile, and a great interview.”
The 32-year-old Quebec native sounds like a good guy to have around. He has three years remaining on his contract, earning $2.1-million per season. Not a bad deal for what the Kraken are receiving. Apparently the Wild felt they needed to dump that salary. They also have some younger centers moving up through the organization.
Gaudreau spent a lot of time with Marcus Johansson on his left and the since departed Gustav Nyquist on his right. He also spent shifts with top-line winger Mats Zuccarello.
In Seattle he’ll end up with whoever wins the competition on the wings in the bottom-six. It’ll be tight and there’s plenty of candidates. Rookie sniper Jani Nyman would be a nice fit if he’s not higher in the line-up.
The Wild take part in the NHL Draft starting Friday. They have some extra draft capital heading in. Don’t be surprised if they use it and another deal comes down the pike.
Earlier Kraken:
— The Kraken’s Mason Marchment Dilemma
