The Seattle Kraken made the playoffs in 2022-23, as they reached the century mark in total points. However, the last two seasons, scoring has been an issue in Seattle as the franchise just has not been able to put the biscuit in between the pipes consistently. In 2023-24, the Kraken only scored 217 goals, which was the fourth fewest number of goals in the NHL and 72 fewer goals than they scored a year earlier. The only three teams with fewer goals in 2023-24 were the Anaheim Ducks (204), the San Jose Sharks (181), and the Chicago Blackhawks (179). Then in 2024-25, the Kraken were marginally better, but only scored 247 goals and were still 20 points back of the St. Louis Blues for a playoff spot.
Could a Jamie Oleksiak trade be in the mix?
With the Kraken looking for some more offense, there is growing speculation that Seattle could trade their veteran defenseman, 6’7″, 252 pound blueliner Jamie Oleksiak of Toronto, Ontario. He has one more year left on his contract where he is to make $4.6 million before becoming an unrestricted free agent. Winning is in Oleksiak’s genes. His sister Penny won a gold medal for Canada in the women’s 100 metre freestyle at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, and has won seven Olympic medals and nine World Championship medals overall. Jamie meanwhile, reached the Stanley Cup Finals with the Dallas Stars in 2020.
Jamie Oleksiak’s 2024-25 stats
In 82 games, Oleksiak had four goals and 13 assists for 17 points in 82 games. He was a -2 with 34 penalty minutes, one game-winning goal, 66 shots on goal, 159 blocked shots, 74 hits, 23 takeaways, and 89 giveaways. Oleksiak’s game-winning goal came on November 16 in a 3-2 Kraken win over the New York Islanders. Oleksiak scored from Yanni Gourde of Saint-Narcisse, Quebec, and Brandon Tanev of Toronto with three minutes and 13 seconds left in the third period to break a 2-2 deadlock.
Where could Oleksiak be traded to?
At this time, there are three possibilities–the St. Louis Blues, Detroit Red Wings and Dallas Stars. Let’s take a look.
St. Louis Blues
The Blues are reportedly shopping winger Jordan Kyrou, even though he is making $8.125 million in each of the next six seasons. Another Toronto native, Kyrou had 70 points at the center position in 2024-25.
Dallas Stars
The Stars may be ready to move on from Jason Robertson, who would provide the Kraken some scoring punch. Oleksiak played nine seasons in two different stints earlier in his career with Dallas, and had 47 points in 286 games.
Detroit Red Wings
At the trade deadline there was a lot of speculation that the Red Wings were trying to acquire Oleksiak, with Swedish defenseman Albert Johansson and a draft pick going to Seattle. The trade never materialized. With Seattle needing more scoring, could we see Alex DeBrincat going to the Kraken? Time will tell.
