Kraken 2025-26 Offseason (different but the same??)

[Fistfullofbeer]

Antsy though I am getting, and though Marner would make for a more fun team to watch, I am still opposed to him becoming a Kraken.

Why would he come here in the first place? The only reason would be money, which means we would have to outbid every team tempted to chase him. What does that contract look like? 14 or 15 million or close to what the new cap would allow for seven or eight years? That contract could become eventually not an albatross around our neck, but a pterodactyl, severely limiting our options going forward.

I think it all starts and ends with how Toronto prioritizes between Knies and Marner.If they put Knies in front, he would have to agree to a bridge deal. If he doesn't agree to a bridge deal and wants a long term contract, then keeping Marner becomes a lot harder since they have way too many openings on their roster. They don't have a 2C, they don't have a 3C, and basically they're just at 6 forwards at the end of the year.

But if it does come to that, then every team is just going to try to sell their city as the best option. Why Seattle?

- No state income tax
- A brand new expansion team looking for someone to become the face of the franchise. Like Stone or Eichel for Vegas.
- Offer him an 'A' right away or even a 'C'.

There is more that can be used here but it comes down to knowing what Marner wants first.

- Does he want to be away from Toronto and start afresh on the opposite end of the country and in the Western conference.
- Does he want an opportunity to demonstrate that he is a true leader and can do things on his own without other elite players on his team?

And, I don't see us getting Marner either. Little to no chance of that. But, stranger things have happened. A lot of "advantages" we offer are just meh, and many other teams in better situations than us can also match.

 

[majormajor]

I don't know if being the highest bidder for Marner is a good idea (probably not) but I do think he'd make us a better team and not just in the short run. I don't agree with the standard HF concept of intentionally finishing low to try and juice our draft position, we're better of looking quasi-competitive and accumulating talent that way.

Antsy though I am getting, and though Marner would make for a more fun team to watch, I am still opposed to him becoming a Kraken.

Why would he come here in the first place? The only reason would be money, which means we would have to outbid every team tempted to chase him. What does that contract look like? 14 or 15 million or close to what the new cap would allow for seven or eight years? That contract could become eventually not an albatross around our neck, but a pterodactyl, severely limiting our options going forward.

We really don't know. Even the Blue Jackets get top free agents sometimes. And we're a tax free state with a stunning city with world class amenities. Elite players don't always think of going where it would be easiest, sometimes they think the team will be better because they'll take care of that. As you know it's often a couples decision, not just the guy.

 

[The Marquis]

I don't know if being the highest bidder for Marner is a good idea (probably not) but I do think he'd make us a better team and not just in the short run. I don't agree with the standard HF concept of intentionally finishing low to try and juice our draft position, we're better of looking quasi-competitive and accumulating talent that way.



We really don't know. Even the Blue Jackets get top free agents sometimes. And we're a tax free state with a stunning city with world class amenities. Elite players don't always think of going where it would be easiest, sometimes they think the team will be better because they'll take care of that. As you know it's often a couples decision, not just the guy.

Sensible wives and girlfriends will choose Seattle over most places. The problem with that is sensibility.

 

[Fistfullofbeer]

Sensible wives and girlfriends will choose Seattle over most places. The problem with that is sensibility.

I like that promo campaign: "NHL wives for Seattle". Let's get it out to Leiwieke.

 

[Fuhrious]

Burakovsky did just enough those last few games to tease some of you into thinking "maybe he'll be able to put it together next season". Like looking into a time portal and seeing myself during the off-season between season's 2 and 3. Don't fall for it, it only leads to pain.

 

[Kevinsane]

I’m glad Bylsma’s gone. The number of games with seemingly no adjustments when down, the abysmal special teams, and the riding of Daccord into the ground really irritated me as a fan. As far as the assistants go, I’d expect the new head coach to pick his own staff.
If Francis makes more money upstairs than he did as GM the hockey world truly has embraced The Peter Principle.
Botterill kind of falls in the same category as Campbell in my view. You just hope these are two really smart people who have been held back working under less smart bosses.

 

[RayMartyniukTotems]

I feel for Dan he deserved better from the players as far as effort goes and Wins! Not sure what happens to Campbell and Lowry maybe one becomes the HC?

 

[Fistfullofbeer]

I feel for Dan he deserved better from the players as far as effort goes and Wins! Not sure what happens to Campbell and Lowry maybe one becomes the HC?

Why? None of them showed enough to even earn a 2nd season in my opinion, let along getting promoted. They got to look at someone more experienced from outside.

 

[RayMartyniukTotems]

Why? None of them showed enough to even earn a 2nd season in my opinion, let along getting promoted. They got to look at someone more experienced from outside.

I just threw it our there who knows what happens

 

[Fistfullofbeer]

Would Shea Van Olm be someone worth taking a shot at this offseason? I don't know if he would be a free agent signing or more of a draft eligible guy. He's 21, so I'm not sure. I expect he would be a UDFA maybe?

But with his insane chemistry with Catton, it might be worth taking a shot. He's not super skilled, but he's hardworking, has a good net front presence, is not afraid to mix it up, and definitely scores a lot of goals in front of the net. He also has a pretty decent shot.

 

[majormajor]

Would Shea Van Olm be someone worth taking a shot at this offseason? I don't know if he would be a free agent signing or more of a draft eligible guy. He's 21, so I'm not sure. I expect he would be a UDFA maybe?

But with his insane chemistry with Catton, it might be worth taking a shot. He's not super skilled, but he's hardworking, has a good net front presence, is not afraid to mix it up, and definitely scores a lot of goals in front of the net. He also has a pretty decent shot.

We can sign him.

 

[Fistfullofbeer]

We can sign him.

I would certainly like to give him a shot. He committed to Penn State for next season, but I think signing him to a contract and playing him in the AHL could be worth a shot.

 

[Fuhrious]

Man I hope they dont throw huge dollars at Nik Ehlers. I love the guy on the Jets but he's Zuccarello 2.0

 

[Fistfullofbeer]

Man I hope they dont throw huge dollars at Nik Ehlers. I love the guy on the Jets but he's Zuccarello 2.0

I think they will throw money at Ehlers. Infact, I think he may be their first target. Marner is the most "attractive" target but there will be much heavier competition and AAV around him, if he ever decides to leave Toronto. They may try to be aggressive with Ehlers and go for him straight away while others are waiting on Marner.

But, if Marner never hits FA. Ooof ... someone is going to pay a lot for Ehlers. I like him and think he would be good here but he is certainly a level or two below Marner.

 

[RainyCityHockey]

Here's the list of UFA's as of right now.

https://puckpedia.com/players/search?q=2024-25-ufa

Some names might sound nice but I'd love for the Kraken to stay way away from that path.

 

[Kraken Jokes]

I'm of the mind that we should start with the D and backup goalie. For backups, there are a few UFA options that shouldn't cost much. Improving the D is the more complex part.

_______ - Montour
Dunn - Larsson
*Olek/Evans - _______

I haven't identified who could fit that 1LD role that would be available yet. I'm thinking more of a shutdown Slavin-type than a need for offence. One of Oleksiak or Evans would need to go, ideally Oleksiak. I'd be willing to move our 2025 1st and likely more to find that player.

 

[kihei]

All I can say is that it will be an interesting off-season...which is a lot more than one can say about the season itself.

 

[CLW]

Man I hope they dont throw huge dollars at Nik Ehlers. I love the guy on the Jets but he's Zuccarello 2.0

This team is so ripe to throw huge dollars at Panarin, not to mention the assets going back to NYR in the trade. Holloway would be happy, I certainly wouldn't. Hopefully the recent sex scandal involving Panarin prevents this from happening.

 

[RainyCityHockey]

This team is so ripe to throw huge dollars at Panarin, not to mention the assets going back to NYR in the trade. Holloway would be happy, I certainly wouldn't. Hopefully the recent sex scandal involving Panarin prevents this from happening.

Panarin?
Are there any rumors?

 

[CLW]

Panarin?
Are there any rumors?

No. But the Ranger fans have discussed for ages how to get rid of Panarin and some mentioned Seattle as a suitable fish to target. Since there are no easy UFA to target Panarin is a player (read PP specialist) that would help the Kraken get close to that super duper important WC spot. So I'm just speculating in preparation for this horrible move. You know chances are high the Kraken will do some desperate (stupid) shit this offseason.

 

[Fistfullofbeer]

Panarin?
Are there any rumors?

No. But the Ranger fans have discussed for ages how to get rid of Panarin and some mentioned Seattle as a suitable fish to target. Since there are no easy UFA to target Panarin is a player (read PP specialist) that would help the Kraken get close to that super duper important WC spot. So I'm just speculating in preparation for this horrible move. You know chances are high the Kraken will do some desperate (stupid) shit this offseason.

I have heard some rumblings about Panarin as well. If, and a big if, Rangers want to kick start a rebuild, he would be the player that can accelerate it for them.

I am a massive Panarin fan but at 33 years of age and on an expiring contract, I wouldn't move much for him. I would not be shocked if he gets moved at this TDL for something crazy like 2 x 1st's + high-end prospect. And it would be well deserved too, but he is not a player I would target for a trade as that is more of a move a team trying to go over the top for SC should do.

 

[sigma six]

Panarin is not a move this team should make. Might sound boring for now, but they have been building through the draft and have done pretty well so far. They're about to add another piece.

So keep moving the kids up and see what we have. Truly, build via the draft. Once there is some semblance of a contender via the talent you've drafted, that's when you add guys like Panarin if you need them.

And I get it, this way isn't exciting for now but I think it's the best way to bear the long term fruit. I've watched Philly buy guys for so many years, and it hasn't amounted to shit. The Rangers haven't fared much better despite elite goalies and Fox falling into their lap.

 

[finnishflash13]

All I can say is that it will be an interesting off-season...which is a lot more than one can say about the season itself.

was last off-season also interesting? maybe the kraken need a boring off-season...

 

[The Marquis]

was last off-season also interesting? maybe the kraken need a boring off-season...

Aside from Free Agent Frenzy, it was boring as hell.

The year before they did almost nothing and that ended up being a bummer season too.

I’m ok with a massive shakeup.

 

[CLW]

Aside from Free Agent Frenzy, it was boring as hell.

The year before they did almost nothing and that ended up being a bummer season too.

I’m ok with a massive shakeup.

Same. This team needs to get younger and bigger (or stronger as Botterill calls it), and the D needs help (even if Botterill seems to think the D side is ok).