THN Experts Make Kraken Trade Deadline Predictions

A trio of longtime observers at The Hockey News mothership agree - the Seattle Kraken won't be buyers at this year's NHL trade deadline.

This year's deadline is Friday, March 8, four weeks from today.

Like all teams on the playoff bubble, Kraken general manager Ron Francis must decide whether to think short-term (buy to improve odds of making the playoffs), long-term (trade veterans with expiring contracts for youngsters and/or draft picks and cap room), or stand pat.

Here's what the THN experts predict Francis will do.

Michael Traikos, Digital Managing Editor: Stand Pat

"They're still in the playoff mix. I don't think they need to buy players to get into the playoffs. When you look at what they could sell, like a Jordan Eberle, maybe an Alex Wennberg, a Tomas Tatar, I don't know how much you're going to get for these guys."

Ryan Kennedy, Editor-In-Chief: Sell

"Keep in mind, as well as the Kraken have drafted, they've only drafted three times. They still need critical mass there.

"I'd like to see them sell a couple of forwards, and bring up a guy like Shane Wright, just to see what he can do. He's been great at (AHL) Coachella Valley.

"The Firebirds have a couple of good young players that they could bring up and get reps. It'd be nice to make the playoffs. I don't think Seattle is a (post-season) threat, but I don't think that's necessarily the main focus."

Adam Proteau, Columnist: Stand Pat

"The Seattle Kraken are looking like a 'normal' expansion franchise that has a long way to go before being a legitimate playoff contender. The Kraken’s next 10 games – against the Flyers, Devils, Islanders, Bruins (twice), Red Wings, Canucks, Wild, Penguins and Oilers – could be the final nail in the coffin of their playoff expectations.

"Seattle looks to this writer like a team that could struggle for the next couple of years as GM Ron Francis adds elite young talent to the roster, and that’s the usual development for an expansion team.

"It’s a steady-as-she-goes situation for Seattle, and there’s no quick fix that will improve the Kraken enough to get them into the post-season."