It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re in the middle of the Stanley Cup Final. However, the chatter surrounding other teams is ongoing. Clubs are trying to figure out what to do in order to improve their rosters. We’ll see teams employ a variety of strategies in order to bolster their lineups. There could be trades, signings or other tools that will be used in order to make teams better.
One team that could use some changes to their lineup is the Seattle Kraken. This edition of NHL rumours deals with one tactic the Kraken could use this off-season.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Seattle Kraken Could Use Seldom-Used Tool in Order to Improve Roster
Rumour: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman talked about what Seattle may do in the off-season on a recent edition of the 32 Thoughts podcast. Friedman mentioned that the Kraken could use offer sheets this off-season.
Analysis: Seattle has already made some changes since its season ended. The Kraken fired head coach Dan Bylsma after just one season behind the bench. Ron Francis moved to the President of Hockey Operations and Jason Botterill was named the new general manager.
Botterill recently hired former New York Islanders Head Coach Lane Lambert as the new head coach. Seattle is trying to recapture its peak days when it shocked the Colorado Avalanche in the first round of the 2022-23 post-season. However, there may need to be some drastic changes to the roster.
The Kraken have nearly $20 million in salary cap space and a number of draft picks to use for a number of reasons. Trades and unrestricted free agency could be a tool for Botterill, but offer sheets could be something the Kraken front office may use this off-season.
What It Means
Friedman mentioned that he doesn’t know how Botterill or Francis feel about using offer sheets. However, the insider mentioned Seattle has the flexibility to use that on restricted free agents that hit the market on July 1.
Offer sheets haven’t been used very often. However, recently came back into fashion after St Louis Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong used a pair of offer sheets in the summer on a pair of Edmonton Oilers players. Armstrong was able to get Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg with offer sheets. Seeing two successful offer sheets could mean that more teams may use the practice in the coming off-season.
Having successful offer sheets means that the Kraken would have to forfeit draft picks. However, Freidman mentioned that Seattle wants to take a step forward in 2025-26. The offer sheet could be used by more GMs this summer. This could force teams to make some tough calls before and after July 1.
A big offer sheet means the signing team would have to give up draft picks. However, the sheet will put pressure on the other team to match the offer or lose out on an important player. The risk of the offer sheet may force other teams to lock up their RFAs prior to July 1 instead of slow-playing things.
Seattle may or may not use the offer sheet. However, it has that resource available to it should it want to use it.
Main photo by: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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