Seattle Kraken defenseman Jamie Oleksiak (24) skates with the puck against the Utah Hockey Club during the first period at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/fc376f80-ad54-4218-92c5-8bb8de748a13.jpeg] Seattle Kraken defenseman Jamie Oleksiak (24) skates with the puck against the Utah Hockey Club during the first period at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images Seattle Kraken defenseman Jamie Oleksiak was named one of the 20 players to watch as a potential trade target this offseason by Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/real-kypers-off-season-trade-board-1-0-players-to-watch-this-summer/]. Oleksiak saw his name thrown out multiple times at the trade deadline [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/seattle-kraken/1UG4E6HujYaOPK4QCB7R], but the Kraken decided to keep him. Whether they felt they were better suited with him on the roster, or they didn't like the offers they received, Oleksiak stayed for the remainder of the season. The 32-year-old played in all 82 games this season, scoring four goals and 17 points. In his four seasons with the Kraken, Oleksiak has missed just 17 games. The Kraken likely aren't in a situation where they'll be competing for a playoff spot again next year, and with just one season remaining on his $4.6M contract, Oleksiak could be a very hot commodity this offseason. "Missing the playoffs for a second year in a row – and for the third time in their four seasons of existence – the Kraken will be looking to make changes this summer and Jamie Oleksiak [https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/players/jamie-oleksiak/22620d9f-c834-41d2-8898-6c62a6c868fb] would be a target for many teams. Here you have a 6-foot-7, 252-pound blueliner who led all Seattle players in blocked shots and was one of the team’s most utilized players on the penalty kill. Kraken GM Ron Francis considered moving Oleksiak at points during the 2024-25 season but ultimately kept the player. Now, Oleksiak will be entering the final year of his contract, making $4.6 million against the cap, which is really good value for any potential buyer," said Kypreos. The Kraken plan on incorporating young talent this season, and moving Oleksiak would free up a roster spot for their young defensemen like Cale Fleury or Ville Ottavainen [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/seattle-kraken/jH4r1rfxydOrhoZADOeL]. Stay updated with the most interesting Kraken stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwrODfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] to never miss a story. Kraken 2025 Draft Targets: Jackson Smith [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/8a2d4c7d-f75c-4511-89d4-51a842077ce9.webp] Kraken 2025 Draft Targets: Jackson Smith Next on the list as a possible target for the Seattle Kraken at eighth overall is Canadian defenseman Jackson Smith. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/seattle-kraken/players/kraken-2025-draft-targets-jackson-smith] Kraken 2025 Draft Targets: Radim Mrtka [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/d8681767-53e5-46a2-b44b-45a5acec85e9.webp] Kraken 2025 Draft Targets: Radim Mrtka The 2025 NHL Entry Draft is 24 days away, and the Seattle Kraken are slated to make the eighth overall pick in the first round. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/seattle-kraken/players/kraken-2025-draft-prospects-radim-mrtka]
