One Notable Seattle Kraken Trade Piece Might Be Coming Off The Market

One of the most frequently heard names on the trade market at the center spot around the league this season has been the Seattle Kraken's Yanni Gourde. He's often linked to teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Washington Capitals, and even his former team, the Tampa Bay Lightning, with whom he won two Stanley Cups.

And while insider Pierre LeBrun recently told us that Gourde "would welcome a trade to a contender," he's now updated his findings to reveal that an extension with the Seattle Kraken is not out of the question.

He notes that the team re-signed Jordan Eberle to an extension at the 11th hour last season.

"That’s still a possibility for Gourde, too... I don’t think the Kraken have closed the door on trying to re-sign him. I still believe, all things being equal, it would have to be a real strong offer," writes LeBrun.

One thing that held up the trade market for Gourde is that he had surgery for a sports hernia back on January 31, and has been out since Jan. 2nd. He is hoping to return this week in advance of Friday's trade deadline. His appearance at practice two days ago no longer wearing the non-contact jersey was a great sign.

Friday, Feb. 28:

Yanni Gourde is out of the red non-contact jersey. #SeaKraken pic.twitter.com/V1mni6ztYg
— Mike Benton (@Benton_Mike) February 28, 2025

The 33-year-old third-line center has seen his offense drop off quite a bit the last couple of seasons, but he'd still be a valuable trade candidate for a contender because of his ability to step it up in the playoffs. He had 13 points in 14 playoff games for Seattle two years ago, and has 20 goals and a +14 rating in 83 career playoff contests.