It’s time for the Seattle Kraken to reveal their true identity for this season. With 12 games remaining before the NHL trade deadline on March 8th and the team currently outside of playoff contention, these upcoming matches are pivotal in determining the Kraken’s trajectory.
If Seattle can maintain or improve their standing in the playoff race, they possess the depth and skill to challenge for a postseason berth in a competitive Western Conference. However, if they struggle in these crucial games, the likelihood of General Manager Ron Francis opting to sell assets at the deadline significantly increases.
Key players like Alex Wennberg, Jordan Eberle, Tomáš Tatar, and Justin Schultz are set to become unrestricted free agents at season’s end. A poor performance in the upcoming games could lead Francis to consider trading them for future assets. Additionally, impending free agents Pierre-Édouard Bellemare and Chris Driedger could attract interest from other teams.
With a record of 21-19-10 through 50 games, the Kraken find themselves in a tight race for the Wild Card spots, with seven teams vying for two positions. Their upcoming schedule is challenging, with seven of the remaining games against playoff-bound teams, including top contenders like Boston and Vancouver.
Successfully navigating this critical stretch would prove Seattle’s ability to compete at the highest level and justify a push for the playoffs. However, failure to perform could indicate inconsistency against playoff-caliber opponents and prompt a strategic shift towards building for the future.
Potential trades involving Wennberg and Schultz could create opportunities for promising rookies like Ryker Evans and Shane Wright to step up. With a roster of experienced AHL players available, the Kraken could manage the remainder of the season while planning for the future.
Ultimately, the outcome of the next 12 games will likely dictate Seattle’s course of action.
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