It wasn’t supposed to happen this quickly for the Kraken, but the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs have slipped out of sight and Seattle has started making moves.
Pending unrestricted free agent Mason Marchment, acquired by the Kraken just this past summer on June 19th from the Dallas Stars for a 3rd-round (2025) and 4th-round (2026) NHL Draft pick, was sent to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday for a 2nd-round pick in 2027 and a 4th-round pick next summer.
So, after it was said and done and after Marchment played in 29 games and tallied 13 points for Seattle, the club netted one-step up in draft picks. It’s not what they had in mind.
Marchment was a specific acquisition, one that team management hoped would bring some net front presence, some grit, and solidify the team’s identity. Instead, he’s becomes just another plug-and-play asset, one that failed to meet the team’s vision for the future, and one that moves along due to an expiring contract by an NHL club out of the playoff picture.
Others will follow. As we told you during the summer, pending UFA D-man Jamie Oleksiak is all but gone. Although his overall effectiveness has diminished, there will be some interest from Cup contenders as the March 6th NHL trade deadline approaches. That’s because club’s can never have enough blueline depth for the gruelling postseason. Bodies need to be added an often are plugged in. Expect to see a 3rd or 4th round draft pick in return.
Knowing that a non-playoff season was on the horizon, we ran through the list of pending Seattle UFA’s and gave you our forecast. Based on this season’s performances, some of the end results will likely change, whether for the team’s need to shed players, or a veteran player’s desire to move along.
Bottom line, the club didn’t reach Christmas as a playoff contender.
Earlier Kraken:
— Kraken Lose 3rd Period And Game; Flames Win 4-2
Earlier Canucks:
