Jamie Oleksiak Becomes Trade Candidate for Kraken

The latest NHL trade board has been released by the hockey insiders at The Fourth Period, and a new name has surfaced for the first time this season, in Seattle Kraken defenseman Jamie Oleksiak.

He's one of three Kraken listed in the top 30 most likely trade candidates, and with one season remaining on his five-year, $23 million contract, he's becoming an attractive trade piece, both for rival teams, and for Seattle, as that extra year of control would bring back more assets. There are some clubs interested, but the 32-year-old does own a 16-team no-trade list, so he'll be able to have some control in the trade process if it comes to that.

The 6-foot-7, 255-pounder is known as Big Rig around Seattle, and he's using that length to block shots at new levels for him. He's been improving in that department in each of his four years in the Pacific Northwest. This year, he's eaten rubber 106 times in 52 games, while playing 18:51 average time on ice with plenty of time on the penalty kill.

Players around the league have learned not to challenge him much anymore, as Oleksiak hasn't had a fight in more than a year.

With good skills for his size as well, the 13-year veteran Oleksiak could be a nice piece for teams to target at the trade deadline to take into the playoffs. The Kraken will be sellers, having their second straight disappointing season. They find themselves in 6th place in the Pacific Division, eight points back of a Wild Card spot.

There are a few contenders around the league that like their sizeable d-men, the Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs are two that come to mind. The Dallas Stars and LA Kings are also looking for left-shot blueliners.