Elliotte Friedman Reveals Veteran Forward Drawing High Interest as UFA Status Approaches

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Julien Trekker
October 14, 2024 (3:40 PM)

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Elliotte Friedman confirmed the Seattle Kraken could be interested in trading their pending unrestricted free agent veteran Brandon Tanev.

After missing the playoffs for the second time in their three-year history last season, the Kraken decided to make big moves in the offseason to bring players who can be game-changers. They signed the Stanley Cup champions Chandler Stephenson and Brandon Montour, in bold moves. By adding these players, they hope to build a winning identity that'll bring them into the playoff landscape for years. After these additions, fans are wondering what will happen next in Seattle.

If the team puts itself in a buyer position ahead of the next trade deadline, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Kraken look to make other big moves. To do that, they'll need to start thinking about what assets they can let go.

According to Elliotte Friedman, Seattle Kraken general manager Ron Francis could decide to part ways with Brandon Tanev, a veteran forward set to be a free agent after the current season. He added that there is interest in Tanev on the market, eluding at the fact that he could be included in a package to make an impactful trade.

Here's what Friedman wrote in "32 Thoughts":

"This is an important season for Seattle, with NBA expansion on the horizon. It's not a coincidence their major free-agent acquisitions - Brandon Montour and Chandler Stephenson - both have winning pedigrees, big presence on the ice and, especially in Montour's case, off it. The Kraken wish to establish a bolder, more boisterous, identity. Stephenson is there to do the heavy lifting, so Matt Beniers and Shane Wright can spread their offensive wings. Brandon Tanev is a pending unrestricted free agent, and there's interest in him. That's one to watch."

It'll be interesting to see which path the organization decides to follow. But unless they sign Tanev to an extension, his days in Seattle will end either on the trade or free agents market.

Meanwhile, in the first three games of the season, Tanev scored one assist with the Kraken, in a fourth-line role. Seattle will be back in action tomorrow, against Steven Stamkos and the Predators in Nashville.