On 32 Thoughts, Elliotte Freidman stated that the Seattle Kraken are among the teams very interested in Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine.
It's no secret that the Kraken need more goal-scoring in their lineup. They finished the 2023-24 season with the fourth least amount of goals scored, below average in high-danger chances created and 29th in shooting percentage.
The Kraken have the forward group to create more chances but outside of Jared McCann, they are lacking efficient goal scorers. McCann has scored 27, 40 and now 29 goals in his first three seasons with the Kraken which has led the team each year but not only has he led the team in goals, no one has been close to competing with his goal-scoring tally.
The Kraken have exciting prospects who can one day be key contributors to their offence but they need someone with the skillset that Laine possesses.
When the opportunity presents itself, the 26-year-old has one of the most lethal shots of all time and doesn't need much time to get it off. There is some risk involving Laine as he has struggled to stay healthy in his career and his production hasn't been the same since his rookie and sophomore seasons but there still could be a player in there if someone can unlock it.
The Kraken have playmakers on the roster who could get Laine the puck in goal-scoring situations which makes the Kraken's interest valid.
"I've had a few people say to me that you have to watch Seattle on this one and that doesn't come as a surprise because the Kraken have been looking for scorers."
Friedman also mentioned that GM Ron Francis tends to avoid big contracts but says that Laine's $8.7M for two more years isn't "insane for him."
"The coaching change from Hakstol to Bylsma, I think there is a real push in that organization to be more aggressive and I see Laine as something that makes sense there for people who want to be more aggressive and for the people that want to be a little more conservative."
The time for the Kraken to be aggressive and look to bolster the lineup is now. Matty Beniers is looking to take the next big step in his development, Shane Wright will be a full-time NHLer next season and prospects like Jagger Firkus, David Goyette, Jani Nyman and Ryan Winterton are banging on the door to play with the Kraken.
The Kraken have been linked to other top trade candidates like Nikolaj Ehlers and Martin Necas who would both be immaculate additions to the lineup.
Related: Could The Kraken Trade For Ehlers, Laine Or Necas?
The Kraken have built the organization through the draft and now have the resources to give those drafted players the supporting cast they deserve.
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