2 Players Kraken Could Trade Next

The Seattle Kraken didn't waiver from their plan last season despite having a strong start and stretch run. They shocked a lot of people by not only making the playoffs in year two, but defeating the defending champions in round one. They didn't make many changes to their lineup over the offseason, but there will be a higher expectation to win now which could result in some moves over the next year. Let's look at who the team could trade next.

Jaden Schwartz

The Kraken have now built up this group where they are really deep at forward, but all have decently sized contracts. Some are ending, some still have years left on them. Pretty soon the young talent is going to need to get paid and some fresh younger faces will be brought in. This is why I believe that Jaden Schwartz might not make it to the end of his contract with the Kraken. He still has three years left at $5.5 million AAV and he's already into his 30s. He put up 21 goals and 40 points last season. I could see that dropping as some of the talent lower in the lineup push for his spot. If he's declining and they will be needing cap space, he is a likely candidate to move eventually.

Chris Driedger

The Kraken have stockpiled goaltenders now for a couple seasons. That's what happens when they can draft up to four in the expansion draft. Philipp Grubauer bounced back and is the team's starter, but there's good reason to believe Joey Daccord could take over the backup role. This would once again leave Chris Driedger on the outside looking in. They could definitely use the cap space at the trade deadline to make a sizable upgrade if they can get rid of even some of his money. He is heading into his final year under contract at $3.5 million AAV, and if he can't solidify a spot on the team, is just eating money to play in the NHL again. It'll be easier to move him this season near the trade deadline than it was last season.