The countdown to Friday’s NHL trade deadline is on, which means practically everyone in the Seattle Kraken organization except Buoy is being mentioned as potentially on the move. (Buoy’s no-trade clause reportedly includes Philadelphia, so rumors about Gritty aren’t true.)
Scouts from at least eight NHL teams signed up to watch Saturday’s Kraken victory over Vancouver.
A new social media post about Kraken winger Brandon Tanev pops up about every seven minutes. There’s valid reasons why – he’s a high-energy presence who kills penalties, blocks shots, and is an unrestricted free agent at season’s end. That means the Kraken would either have to re-sign him prior to July 1 or risk losing him to another team with nothing due in return.
TSN’s Pierre LeBrun wrote this: “Tanev is generating interest from both Cup contenders and bubble teams. He has a modified no-trade. He would prefer going to a upper-echelon contender. Obviously July 1 could be a different story as far as looking at potential fits elsewhere (Ottawa as a possible example).”
The Maple Leafs have often been mentioned as a suitor, both because they’re a contender, and because it would pair Brandon with older brother Chris Tanev for the first time in their NHL careers. Stay tuned.
Big Apple Borgen
Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Both the Kraken and New York Rangers are reaping benefits from a trade pulled off in December. Winger Kaapo Kakko is thriving in Seattle, and the Blueshirts liked what they saw in defenseman Will Borgen enough to ink him to a five-year, $20.5 million extension.
“We’re lucky to have him on our team,” goalie Igor Shesterkin told The Athletic. Coach Peter Laviolette added, “He does a lot of dirty things out there, in the sense of blocking shots and playing physical and sticking up for teammates and competitive.” As an example, Laviolette pointed to a goal-saving block in the final minute of a game against Pittsburgh, which earned a hug from his goalie.
Peter Baugh writes, “Borgen had mixed emotions at the trade. He had solidified himself as an NHL regular with the Kraken. Borgen called that (2022 Kraken) playoff run the most fun he’s had playing hockey. He made close friends in Seattle, including Matty Beniers, his roommate for 2 1/2 seasons.
‘But Borgen said he also wanted a change of scenery. Seattle signed top-four defenseman Brandon Montour over the summer, and Borgen’s playing time dipped to just over 15 minutes a game. Plus, Madison Square Garden was his favorite rink as a visiting player.”
From The Kraken Business Desk…
Planning has advanced on an Eastside Hockey Facility.
According to the Daily Journal of Commerce, “The city of Kirkland is currently considering a deal with the Seattle Kraken to bring ice hockey activities to a brand-new building and is seeking qualifications from developers interested in constructing the new facility.”
It would be located at the southeast corner of I-405 and NE 70th Place, the former Houghton Park and Ride site. The proposed community center would include a pair of ice hockey rinks with seating, and a restaurant.
“The Kraken would lease the ice skating facilities and use them for visiting National Hockey League teams and perhaps other Kraken purposes. The facilities would also be available for public uses, such as skating lessons and junior hockey league play.” The city is targeting April for the selection of a developer.
Suite Kraken Deal
Through April 30, Kraken fans who want to pamper themselves can indulge in a luxury extension of game day. Level Hotels & Furnished Suites at Denny Ave. and Boren Ave. is offering “its first-ever Kraken-themed suite,” says TheManual.com, “offering an immersive experience for die-hard hockey lovers,”
The 36th floor, three-bedroom suite “is fully outfitted with custom Kraken décor and unique memorabilia. The kitchen comes stocked with some of the Kraken’s favorite snacks and beverages.”
What does a Kraken eat, anyway? “Their diet,” says EatingTheDungeon.com, “primarily consists of large sea creatures such as whales, giant squids, and large schools of fish, though it will consume any easy prey it can get its tentacles around.” The hotel, though, might be referring to bags of chips. Rates start at $634 per night, with 5% of every booking supporting the Kraken’s One Roof Foundation.
A French-Themed NHL Expansion Franchise? Quebec City, Right?
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
You’ll never guess one of the cities bidding to knock Seattle from its perch as the NHL’s newest destination.
“The league recently met with a group interested in bringing an expansion team to New Orleans at the NHL’s league offices in New York,” Nola.com reported, citing as a source Kevin Weekes of ESPN.
Never mind that in USA Hockey’s most recent registration report, Louisiana was listed as having 278 players, 0.47% of the number registered in Minnesota.
The Big Easy also lacks a suitable site for NHL hockey. The Smoothie King Center, home of the NBA Pelicans, has a hockey configuration like the remodeled Key Arena when the Thunderbirds played there.
Regardless, “They have a lot of major sponsors already that are on board with the bid and with the presentation and the idea of having an NHL franchise there,” says Weekes. And Gov. Jeff Landry recently tweeted, “It’s time Louisiana has an @NHL Team.”