Here are they Four Kraken Free Agent Targets From the 2024 Playoffs

The free agency season is less than two months away. With each new playoff round, more clubs have nothing better to do but gradually begin planning for the 2024-25 season. The Seattle Kraken are one of the clubs that have remained dormant for a few weeks, with the exception of the sacking of head coach Dave Hakstol on April 29. All 32 teams have pending free agents on their rosters, but the most sought-after players have at least helped their teams reach the playoffs. With that in mind, and considering the Kraken’s scoring struggles, which offensively gifted unrestricted free agents (UFA) from recently eliminated playoff teams should Seattle consider signing?

With that in mind, and considering the Kraken’s scoring struggles, which offensively gifted unrestricted free agents (UFA) from recently eliminated playoff teams should Seattle consider signing?

1. The Big Kahuna, Steven Stamkos

None of the organizations who either failed to qualify for the playoffs or were eliminated in the first round face a more intriguing situation than the Tampa Bay Lightning and Steven Stamkos. On July 1, one of the franchise’s greatest stalwarts, if not its greatest ever, will sign a UFA agreement. It sounds unbelievable, but it is what Lightning management must deal with this summer.

A 16-year veteran, winner of two Stanley Cups, captain, with over 1,000 regular-season points and 101 playoff points. Does it seem like a good idea to look for a 34-year-old veteran? Not always. However, considering Stamkos’ continued high-level production (40 goals during the regular season and another five in the first round of the playoffs), 31 teams will want to at least look at him. Age is just a number, as the adage goes.

He will not come cheap. According to The Athletic, he is worth $8.9 million (‘Steven Stamkos Contract Projection: How Much Would It Take to Land the Lightning Star UFA?’, The Athletic, May 6, 2024). Seattle’s cap space is only about $1.3 million. That would necessitate dumping a significant number of players. Would the Kraken part with Justin Schultz ($3 million), for example? Maybe yes, maybe not. This is where the general manager (GM) and his staff obtain their abaci. It would necessitate a significant amount of roster and budgetary gymnastics, but Ron Francis and his team are most likely doing them now just in case.

One thing is certain: the Kraken do not have anyone on their roster with Stamkos’ level of offensive ability. However, even after all of the stats have been crunched, convincing him that the Kraken are a championship-caliber squad may prove difficult.

2) Anthony Duclair

Tampa Bay Anthony Duclair, a 28-year-old Lightning player from Pointe-Claire, might also be an attractive addition to the Kraken. It’s crucial to understand that comparing Duclair to Stamkos serves no purpose. They are neither the same type of player, nor do they generate the same amount of offense.

However, there is evidence to back up the claim that Duclair can serve as a unique spark plug in a largely dormant Seattle attack. His 2021-22 season with the Florida Panthers was brilliant (31 goals and 27 assists), and he made significant contributions to the 2022-23 Stanley Cup Final (four goals and seven assists). He was also a rare bright spot for the San Jose Sharks earlier this season (16 goals and 11 assists) and was a whirling dervish after being moved to Tampa Bay (eight goals and seven assists in 17 games).

Watching Jordan Eberle, Oliver Bjorkstrand, Matty Beniers, and others play, it appears that they could use some friendly fire underneath their backsides. It’s all rather predictable, easy to defend, and lacks innovation. Duclair might be the jolt the Kraken needs. If he can score 20-25 goals and convince other players to add five or ten more, Seattle will be a far more formidable opponent. He made $3 million this season, and it’s difficult to argue that he wasn’t worth every penny.

3. Tyler Toffoli, Winnipeg Jets.

The Lightning were eliminated from the playoffs, as projected, but the Winnipeg Jets were not. Even though the club was expected to struggle against the Colorado Avalanche, a 4-1 defeat with lopsided final scores was unexpected. Regardless, it appears that 32-year-old Tyler Toffoli is planning to enter free agency on July 1. He would be a significantly cheaper choice than Stamkos. His salary for 2023-24 was $2.125 million.

Historically, the numbers appear to be good. He has scored more than or approximately 25 goals six times. That may not sound as impressive as 40 goals from a 34-year-old, but it is the truth the Kraken must face if they are to develop. On the plus side, he knows how to help struggling teams. The Calgary Flames missed the playoffs in 2022-23, but he scored 34 goals. The New Jersey Devils were a shambles in the first half of 2023-24, but Toffoli left an impression with 26 goals before being sent to Winnipeg. Granted, it’s a touch troubling that he’s producing for teams who aren’t going anywhere, but Seattle has one of the best defensive teams in the NHL. The Blueliners and netminders are fine.

It’s worth noting that the Kraken would not be the only club interested in his services. According to The Hockey News, the Buffalo Sabres may consider making an offer.

4. Jonathan Marchessault, Vegas Golden Knights.

While most eyes will be on the Stamkos situation this July, another notable UFA is Jonathan Marchessault of the Vegas Golden Knights. He’ll be 34 in September, which will undoubtedly concern some, but his talent is undeniable. To this point, Marchessault appears to be improving with age. He had his most prolific season in 2023-24, scoring 42 goals (albeit his highest point total came in 2017-18). He has practically never underperformed in the postseason. If anything, Vegas’s lengthier runs have made him more productive. In 2017-18, he scored 21 points in 20 postseason games, advancing to the Stanley Cup Final. He scored 25 points in 22 games last season on his way to the championship.

Marchessault is someone who not only potentially help the Kraken be more efficient on offense, but also personifies the idea of stepping up when it matters. Understandably, established expertise comes at a cost. He earned $5 million this season. That’s not quite as pricey as Stamkos, but it wouldn’t be an easy signing given Seattle’s cap room and the fact that many of their pending UFAs don’t command high salaries. Doable, but some mild gymnastics would be required. Surely, the Golden Knights will try to keep him around. These are four instances of UFAs from recently eliminated teams who could help Seattle improve its offense next season. Stamkos would be the most difficult to sign. For all we know, none of these ideas will come to fruition. Therein is the pleasure, so to speak, of looking at the figures at this time of year: statistics, wages, and cap space. Whatever happens, the Kraken has to sign a player who can make an immediate impact. Over the course of three seasons, the “slow and steady” strategy has delivered average outcomes.