The NHL’s most recent expansion team haven't really taken the ideal path that they may have envisioned as they entered the NHL, and with an interestingly unbalanced roster, the Seattle Kraken look to be on off the teams who are preparing to shake up their roster massively this offseason, and some key players could be set for a shock exit.
Having made the playoffs only once in their four years of existence, the Kraken’s roster management over the last couple of years has been less than ideal, and some big incomings with big salaries haven't really lived up to expectations, and may have caused a lot of bumps in the road for their future.
Heading into free agency with around $20 million in cap space, players like Chandler Stephenson and Brandon Montour take up a lot of the cap in their most recent free agency splash, and are also heavily protected with no movement and no trade clauses. Also with both being locked down with these tricky clauses for the next two to three years until their modified clauses kick in, the Kraken’s management over big deals hasn't been great, and have pretty much already established a core. But with things not working out as planned, and the team not gelling due to players being traded and moved, some big and shocking moves could come.
One name on the list which may shock fans is former Calder trophy winner, and the Kraken’s first ever draft pick Matty Beniers. Beniers recently signed a seven year extension in Seattle at just over $7 million AAV, but has no occurring clauses in his deal until the final two years, leaving some flexibility they need to. Having not really replicated his rookie year stats, Beniers’ value to the team has been high over the last couple of years, but whether they want to cash in his value early to add numerous additions to the team could be an option. With proven talent which could be replicated or even improved with a better supporting cast, Beniers could be a surprise player that they could listen to offers for, and a big deal from a team willing to take a chance on the former rookie of the year could tempt them to move on. It would be a very interesting move by Seattle, but as seen in New York’s case with Alexis Lafreniere, Seattle could cash in their chips early and avoid having a bust on their hands, and in the process acquire a haul of solid players of prospects to reshape their roster.
It is without a doubt that Beniers has been a fan favourite and a star in Seattle, but it would be a move to think about, and a situation in which Seattle may have to cut their losses and restart their build. Beniers has been a provider and playmaker, but with his value still being rather high, big decisions could be made over what they believe would benefit them and their franchise by moving him when he is on the up. Something major for Seattle to think about.
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