The trade deadline has now passed, and there have been some new and interesting developments in the NHL, but more importantly, with the Seattle Kraken. Here is the latest edition of the news and rumors circulating around the Kraken.
Schwartz “Out Indefinitely”
On Monday, March 9, the Kraken announced Jaden Schwartz will be out indefinitely with an upper-body injury. In Seattle’s last game on Saturday, he took a skate blade to the face and left the game early. He did not return to the ice.
This is not Schwartz’s first injury, as he was also placed on injured reserve earlier this season due to a lower-body injury. He has played in 42 games so far this season, recording 21 points.
Schwartz is often a huge part of the Kraken’s offense when he is on the ice. His absence will once again be palpable, especially as Seattle continues their attempt at a playoff push. The most important thing right now is that he gets the rest and recovery time he needs. Hopefully, he can get back out onto the ice with the rest of his team soon.
McMann Attends First Practice
On Friday, before the trade deadline, the Kraken traded two of their draft picks to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for forward Bobby McMann. He couldn’t get to Seattle in time for their game on Saturday, but he attended his first Kraken practice on Monday.
Related: Meet the Newest Seattle Kraken: Bobby McMann
McMann was a full participant and took part in line rushes on the second line. He played alongside Chandler Stephenson and Eeli Tolvanen, swapping out with Frederick Gaudreau on the left wing.
It is unclear if he will play on Tuesday, since he is still waiting for immigration clearance. The important thing is that McMann has finally reached Seattle and can practice with his new team. He is already building chemistry with his new teammates, which is a great sign for success. Especially with Schwartz out of the lineup for a while, McMann will likely have a spot in the top-six forward group when he is officially cleared to play.
Eberle Signed for Two More Years
In case you missed it, the Kraken also signed captain Jordan Eberle to a two-year contract extension on Friday. He has been with the franchise since they selected him from the New York Islanders during Seattle’s expansion draft.
Throughout his last five seasons with the Kraken, Eberle has played 341 games and recorded 221 points. This season, he currently leads the team with 44 points.
Eberle was named the second captain of the Kraken franchise in the first game of the 2024-25 season. He is an excellent leader for the team, both on and off the ice. Locking down Eberle for two more years was a great move by Seattle. He would have become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) at the end of this season.
Winterton & Melanson Sent Down to Coachella Valley
On March 6, the Kraken sent Ryan Winterton and Jacob Melanson down to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate team, the Coachella Valley Firebirds. This move was done to ensure the two forwards would be able to compete for the Firebirds in the playoffs. The pair were immediately brought back to Seattle; they did not play any games in Coachella Valley.
Winterton and Melanson have spent their first NHL seasons with the Kraken. Melanson got some ice time with the Firebirds earlier in the season, where he racked up 16 points in 26 games. With Seattle thus far, he has played in 27 games and has recorded five points. Winterton has played in 57 games with the Kraken and has recorded 16 points.
Both players have been staples with the Firebirds before finally getting the call-up to the Kraken full-time. The Firebirds are currently in fifth place in the Pacific Division and are primed to make the playoffs once again. By sending Melanson and Winterton down to Coachella Valley, the pair can help try to lead the Firebirds to their first Calder Cup win later when they hit the postseason.
Kraken Continue Their Homestand
The Kraken will continue their six-game homestand with the fifth game on Tuesday, March 10, when they host the Nashville Predators.
