Kraken Rumors: Seattle expected to trade Yanni Gourde

The Seattle Kraken are expected to be one of the busier teams ahead of the March 7 trade deadline, with forward Yanni Gourde a prime candidate to be moved by GM Ron Francis.

Gourde was recently listed #3 on Frank Seravalli's Daily Faceoff Trade Targets list. 

3. Yanni Gourde
Stats: 35 GP, 6 G, 10 A, 16 Pts
Having three centers atop the Trade Targets board highlights the true scarcity of the position. Similar to Nelson, Gourde is hitting free agency as a 33-year-old with numbers on a steep decline this season. He has struggled to produce and his ice time in Seattle has taken a hit as a result, down almost two full minutes per game. What’s most surprising is he’s struggled to get puck on net with just 38 shots in 35 games played. He’s banged up now but teams see the two-time Stanley Cup winner as an ideal 3C candidate.

Gourde is a pending unrestricted free agent, earning $5.1 million against the cap. He owns a 23 team trade list and is currently on the injured reserve. Gourde has recorded six goals, and 16 points in 35 games this season. His wealth of playoff experience, and his versatility to play all over the lineup are what makes Gourde attractive for contending teams.

Gourde has 42 points in 83 Stanley Cup Playoff games to date, and being able to play down the middle, or the wing, will make him a valuable piece for the Kraken to cash in on. It's expected at least a second-round pick will be going back to the Kraken in any deal involving Gourde.

Photo credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images