NHL Rumors: Panthers & Kraken Emerging as Trade Partners

The Florida Panthers and Seattle Kraken appear to be potential trade partners as they've recently been linked to a move. The Panthers are trying to clear out some cap space for this summer, meanwhile the Kraken appear set to enter their very first Stanley Cup Playoff run and will be trying to upgrade their roster ahead of the March 3 trade deadline.

Friedman on TJMS: "You know another guy I kind of wondered about a little bit for Seattle just cause they're having a rough year this year is a guy like Sam Reinhart".

— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) January 10, 2023

Hockey insider Elliotte Friedman recently linked Reinhart to the Kraken via the Jeff Marek Show and rightfully so. Reinhart checks a lot of boxes for the Kraken who are looking to move out some of their surplus of draft picks for NHL proven talent.

So far in 2022-23, Reinhart has appeared in 41 games, recording 26 points. His best season came just last year when he scored 33 goals and collected 82 points in 78 games.

The 27-year-old from Northern Vancouver, BC would be a somewhat local talent for Seattle. He's signed through next season and this would be about more than just adding a rental. The Kraken could move one of their second-round picks to the Panthers to facilitate this trade.

Photo credit:  Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports