Rumour: First trade coming up for the Seattle Kraken?!

The Seattle Kraken is getting ready for their expansion draft, which will take place in the summer 2021, however, the new team might be busier making moves before then. 

While discussing the latest and upcoming moves to come to the Montreal Canadiens, insider Eric Engels of Sportsnet revealed the Habs might be putting together an offer for the Kraken that could become the first trade in the history of the Seattle’s franchise. 

As he answered questions from Canadiens’ fans about forward Paul Byron, Engels mentioned that a move to Seattle could be in the cards for the veteran. Check it out: 

“Now, down the line, I think it’s possible [GM Marc] Bergevin could pitch Seattle on taking a draft pick from the Canadiens to take Byron in the 2021 expansion draft. It would help them protect a young defenseman like Cale Fleury, who will likely be left exposed, and it would clear up some much-needed space for contracts that have already been given and ones that will need to be signed by Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Nick Suzuki. I even see that as a probable outcome.”

Bergevin would then get rid of a contract that has become too expensive for the team in return for what Byron provides, and could reduce the impact of the expansion draft on the Habs’ roster. 

The 31-year-old Byron posted a record of four goals and six assists in 29 games last season. He has three years left on his contract, which earns him $ 3.4 million annually. 

It remains to be seen if the Kraken will be attracted by this offer? If general manager Ron Francis likes the idea of adding Byron and a draft pick to build the team’s future, we might be on the verge of seeing the first trade in Kraken history.