The NHL rumor mill is churning, and a potential trade between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Seattle Kraken has emerged as a hot topic of conversation.
According to rumors, the deal would see veteran center Yanni Gourde return to Tampa Bay, where he won two Stanley Cups, with Seattle retaining half of his $5.2 million AAV. In exchange, the Kraken would receive forward Conor Sheary and a 2025 second-round pick.
This proposed trade has ignited passionate discussions among fans, with many weighing in on the potential benefits and drawbacks for both teams.
What are NHL fans saying?
Sentiment seems to be divided on the value of this trade. While some see the appeal for both sides, others believe the Kraken should hold out for a better offer.
“Gourde has a ton of trade value right now, but it’s certainly more than this,” one fan commented. “He’s still an important piece of the Kraken lineup as veteran cover at center for Wright and Beniers. I think the Lightning need to offer more to complete this trade.”
Another fan expressed skepticism about the Kraken’s potential return: “I’m sure Seattle has no problem with letting him come home….. however that does not mean Sheary is moving in. We do not want to see Sheary in Seattle.”
My Take:
From my perspective, this trade has the potential to be a win-win situation, but it hinges on the specific needs and priorities of each team. For Tampa Bay, bringing back Gourde would inject a much-needed dose of grit, experience, and championship pedigree into their lineup. His familiarity with the Lightning system and his proven ability to perform in high-pressure situations would make him an invaluable asset in their quest for another Stanley Cup.
However, the Kraken may be hesitant to part with Gourde, who has become a key leader and mentor for their young core. Seattle might be looking for a more substantial return for a player of Gourde’s caliber, perhaps a higher draft pick or a more promising prospect.
Ultimately, the success of this trade would depend on how well both players fit into their new teams and how they contribute to their respective organizations’ goals. It will be interesting to see how this situation unfolds in the coming days and weeks.
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