Opinion: Moving Seattle's Tanev For Leafs' Robertson Would Be Good Trade For Kraken

The Seattle Kraken are interested in competing for the Stanley Cup right away, but Kraken GM Ron Francis has to keep his eye on building for the long term. And there's a tantalizing proposition on the trade market involving Seattle and the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the proposed trade could help both sides -- a sign that always makes a trade more likely to happen than not.

In this case, we're suggesting a Leafs/Kraken trade between two wingers: Toronto would get veteran right winger Brandon Tanev, while Seattle would land youngster Nick Robertson, and a mid-tier draft pick.

Why does this move work for Seattle? Well, considering Tanev is in the final season of his contract (all financial information via Puck Pedia) before he becomes an unrestricted free agent this coming summer, the Kraken would be moving an asset who isn't likely to return next season. Tanev just played his 500th NHL game, and his experience and grit would be highly-valued by Leafs brass.

Related: Brandon Tanev Hits Milestone With 500th NHL Career Game

Meanwhile, in exchange for moving the 32-year-old Tanev, Seattle would bring in 23-year-old winger Robertson, who hasn't worked out the way Toronto management has hoped. However, with a fresh start with the Kraken, Robertson may unlock his potential and turn into a long-term piece of the puzzle for Seattle.

Tanev's salary cap hit of $3.5 million is probably too rich for the Maple Leafs to absorb on its own, so the Kraken may have to retain some of Tanev's salary to make a deal cap-compliant for Toronto. But that's where a draft pick comes into play in this potential trade. If Leafs GM Brad Treliving offered up, say, a third-or-fourth-round pick in addition to Robertson as a trade sweetener, Francis would have a much easier time saying 'yes' to this deal.

Tanev's gutsy game no doubt fits in with Toronto's style, and Tanev would be thrilled to be united with his older brother, defenseman Chris Tanev, as the Leafs aim for a deep playoff run. And Robertson would have a fresh start in a market where he could work on his game without the type of pressure he's dealing with at the moment in Leafs Land. This proposed trade makes sense for both Toronto and Seattle, and getting a deal done before the pricetag gets sky-high at the league's March 7 trade deadline should be a motivator for Treliving.

Related: Tanev Brothers Could Become Teammates, But Not With Kraken

Tanev would probably thrive to play in his hometown, while California native Robertson would probably thrive to play closer to his hometown. Tanev has earned respect and love from Kraken fans, but the business of the game is pushing Tanev out of Seattle, and Francis would be well-advised to move on from him while the team has as much leverage as it's going to have before the trade deadline arrives.

Not every proposed trade comes to fruition, of course. But this trade makes sense for the Leafs and the Kraken. Toronto would get a veteran who is motivated to play well at home, while Seattle would get a sniper at the start of his NHL career who's looking to find a home over the long haul.

If a Tanev/Robertson trade happens, you heard it here first. But it may also come to pass that Tanev and Robertson are traded in different deals. Regardless of the specifics, it feels like Robertson and Tanev aren't going to be in their current NHL home for much longer, and the Kraken and Leafs would do well to find a connection between Robertson and Tanev and come to terms on a swap that works for both teams.

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