Yahoo Sports Two Kraken Players Feature On Insider's Initial Trade Target List
Seattle Kraken defenseman Will Borgen and centre Yanni Gourde found their names on The Athletic's Chris Johnston's top trade target list.
NHL executives didn’t even need to wait for the Thanksgiving turkey to be served before seeing the trade market start to take some early shape.
So for the first time this season, the trade board has returned :eyes:
✍️ @reporterchrishttps://t.co/ks1V8cWpUY pic.twitter.com/CDryHus9d5— The Athletic NHL (@TheAthleticNHL) November 21, 2024
Gourde's name has been mentioned in recent trade talks due to his expiring contract and his hard-to-play-against brand of hockey. He plays physically and at a fast pace, which is a recipe for success in the playoffs. The 32-year-old is a two-time Stanley Cup champion and currently ranks 14th on Johnston's list.
"What he lacks in size he makes up in tenacity and feistiness," said Johnston. "Gourde is a strong skater and two-way player who owns a couple of Stanley Cup rings from his time with Tampa Bay. His offensive numbers are down to start this season, but he’ll draw attention if Seattle fades from the playoff picture as we get closer to the trade deadline."
Related: Maple Leafs Possibly Targeting Kraken Trade Candidates
Borgen is a 27-year-old, right-handed defenseman on an expiring contract who could fetch a solid haul if the Kraken elect to move him. His cap hit is just $2.7M making him an easy player to fit under the salary cap if the Kraken retain salary. Borgen's ice time is down from the previous two seasons and his offensive numbers are lacking but his size and defensive abilities could be a valuable asset for a Stanley Cup contending team.
"A smart right-shot defenseman with good size, Borgen holds appeal as a potential rental. Historically, he’s been a good shot suppressor on the penalty kill — although the results aren’t quite as favorable in that area so far this season. He’s a good skater in the prime of his career."
COACHES: This is a fantastic clip to show your defensemen on getting up ice and joining the offense!
Will Borgen goes back and has the first touch on the retrieval for the breakout. As soon as he bumps it BOOM he is shot out of a cannon up the ice. He ends up beating the CBJ… pic.twitter.com/rUisfZ2DYV— Topher Scott (@HockeyThinkTank) November 15, 2024
At the moment, the Kraken are on the outside looking-in when referring to playoff positioning with lots of time before the trade deadline. The Kraken are determined to make the postseason but GM Ron Francis will be aware of all possible options.
Make sure you bookmark THN’s Seattle Kraken site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
Related: Montour Scores Late For The Kraken To Prevent Shut Out Against Kings.
