Seattle Kraken And Potential Top Trade Chip Out For Extended Time After Surgery
Yanni Gourde has been identified as a potential top trade target ahead of the 2025 deadline, but now the Kraken veteran will be out after surgery that could severely impact their plans at the trade deadline.
The 2024/25 campaign hasn't gone the way anyone in Seattle would have hoped or expected, and instead of being buyers and pushing for a Stanley Cup Playoffs spot, all signs point to them being sellers ahead of the 2025 trade deadline.
Unfortunately, one of their top trade pieces has now suffered a major blow, as the team announced on Friday that veteran Yanni Gourde underwent successful surgery on a sports hernia injury that has been bothering him for quite some time.
The 33-year old was having a down year by his standards, and according to the Kraken's announcement, he'll be out between five and seven weeks, meaning that there is a chance he's already played his final game for the Kraken.
In 35 games this season, Gourde has 6 goals and 16 points, and while he's never been a high scorer, this is a down year even for him, but on a rejuvenated playoff team, he has the opportunity to play the role that suits him best in the NHL, one in which he has experience playing with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
This season, we've seen the likes of Edmonton, Toronto and even Tampa Bay linked to the veteran bottom-six forward as a cheap deadline trade addition, as the 33-year old is set for free agency after the 2024/25, and while this injury could keep him out until the deadline, it's more likely than not that he's on the move and playing for a Stanley Cup contender at seasons end.
