Insider: Alex Wennberg Enters Thin Center Trade Market; 2 Teams Linked

After watching Elias Lindholm and Sean Monahan get dealt in recent weeks, the offerings at center on the NHL trade market have become extremely thin. Some teams may see that as an opportunity to sell high on a pivot that may have not been as much in demand under normal circumstances.

With that in mind, the Seattle Kraken's Alex Wennberg has already attracted plenty of interest from playoff contenders looking for a fix up the middle. Two potential flies in the ointment include a 10-team no-trade list that Wennberg owns, plus the fact that the Kraken haven't yet given up the fight for a playoff spot. They currently sit six points back of the two wild card positions in the Western Conference.

But should they finally relent and decide to deal the impending unrestricted free agent, insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period tells us of at least two teams that are believed to be eyeing Wennberg:

Boston Bruins

The Bruins are indeed looking for a middle-six forward at the trade deadline, but with less than $1 million in cap room, the Kraken would have to retain a fair chunk of Wennberg's $4.5 million cap hit. But as a 200-foot player, he'd fit the Bruins lineup.

Colorado Avalanche

The Avs are a puzzling team to be interested here, from the respect of really needing a second-line center. Wennberg's weak offensive numbers don't really fit that role. But as we mentioned, the center market is thin. The Avs might be better off, though, looking in the direction of top trade candidate Adam Henrique of the Anaheim Ducks or Scott Laughton of the Philadelphia Flyers. 

Wennberg, 29, the former 14th overall selection in the 2013 NHL Draft, is currently wrapping up a three-year, $13.5 million contract. This season with the Kraken, he's recorded eight goals and 13 assists for 21 points in 51 games. But his real value rests on the defensive side of the puck, including on the penalty kill.

If the Kraken start to fall further back of the pack in the playoff hunt, expect Wennberg's name to be more frequent on the rumor mill. 

Photo: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports