It's far too early to predict where the Seattle Kraken will be come March 2026, but most signs point towards the team being out of playoff contention at the time. With a plan of installing younger talent into the lineup, the Kraken will undoubtedly go through stretches of games where the performances are subpar. 

With that said, the Kraken are likely shaping up to be sellers at next year's trade deadline, and they'll have assets that will most certainly gain a lot of interest from Stanley Cup contenders. 

At the 2025 deadline, the Kraken traded Brandon Tanev, Oliver Bjorkstrand, Daniel Sprong and Yanni Gourde, gaining several draft picks that the Kraken hope will one day develop into roster players.

Mason Marchment

Marchment was acquired in the offseason for just a 2025 fourth-round pick and a 2026 third-round pick, immense value for a player who good have an outstanding season with the Kraken. The 30-year-old has a career-high of 22 goals and 53 points, proving to be a more than capable scorer in the NHL. Beyond the stats, Marchment plays a playoff-style game, engaging physically constantly. Marchment inflicts damage with his 6-foot-5, 212-pound frame and entering the final season of a $4.5 million cap hit, the Kraken could retain some of his salary and acquire another draft pick if they elect to flip him. 

Marchment could quite easily eclipse his career highs with Seattle. He's expected to play a larger role than what he was playing with the Dallas Stars.

Jaden Schwartz

Schwartz is also entering the final season of his contract, although his is a million dollars more. The 33-year-old won a Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues and set a career-high in goals this past season. 

Jaden Schwartz Named Kraken's Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy Nominee The Seattle Kraken's 2024-25 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy nominee is forward Jaden Schwartz. Awarded annually by the NHL, as voted upon solely by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association, the award is given to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

Schwartz isn't the fastest player at this stage of his career, but he is still one of the smartest. Schwartz works incredibly well with his linemates, utilizing give-and-gos frequently and taking advantage of free space when provided. Schwartz may not be able to garner the same return as Marchment, but could fetch a strong return.

Jamie Oleksiak

There's a strong chance Oleksiak doesn't even make it to the 2026 trade deadline with all the rumors that are surrounding him at the moment. The 6-foot-7 defenseman is trusted in his own end and has proven on several occasions that he can handle heavy minutes. 

When the playoffs roll around, teams want defenseman who can provide them with a physical edge and defend the front of their net, two things Oleksiak does better than any other defenseman on the Kraken's roster.