Kraken missed Artemi Panarin, but expect them to make the second move

The Seattle Kraken emerged as a surprise bidder in the Artemi Panarin sweepstakes before accepting a trade with the Los Angeles Kings. Everyone would soon find out that Panarin’s only option was the Kings, but if the Russian forward was willing to go to the highest bidder, he would now be a Kraken.

Seattle was willing to offer Panarin $56 to $60 million over four years, a significant increase from the two-year, $22 million extension he ultimately signed with the Kings. Panarin could be making money again in two years, but the Kraken would have offered him much more security for the rest of his career.

Nevertheless, the sunny skies of Los Angeles looked more promising for Panarin than the fog and rain of the Pacific Northwest. As far as he was concerned, Los Angeles was the only place he would ever go, and if not, he might have returned to Russia.

Even though Panarin didn’t work for the Kraken, their management team drew a clear line in the sand by showing how much they were willing to pay the star. If that money was available for the former New York Rangers forward, it’s there for another player if he wants it. That message is not lost on the rest of the competition, according to Elliotte Friedman via the 32 Thoughts podcast.

“Seattle’s huge offer to Panarin focused attention on the Northwest. They’re not going to do this for anyone, but now it’s known they will do it for the right person on the ice.”

It is known that the Kraken need to score more in their top six. If Panarin was a target, then it is easy to identify a number of other potential candidates to join the organization.

Kraken’s potential targets

As the Kraken shift their focus to the UFA class of 2026, there are only a few scorers left. The top one is Alex Tuch, who has put the Buffalo Sabers in a tough situation. The Sabers are on a roll and aiming to break their playoff drought, but they are also far apart in contract talks with Tuch.

They could trade him at the deadline to recoup some assets, but selling their best winger in the middle of a playoff race would send a bad message to the fanbase. It’s becoming increasingly likely that the season will end with Tuch still a Saber and out of contract through the 2026-2027 season.

The Kraken could also look at another Russian in Evgeni Malkin, depending on his plans with the Pittsburgh Penguins. It’s almost impossible to see him leaving the only organization he’s ever known, but he could chase the money in Seattle on a one- or two-year deal.

Malkin is in the twilight of his career, but is on pace for 72 points this year, which would still be the clear leader in Seattle. With their bizarre contract offer to Panarin, one thing is clear: the Kraken are desperate to score a goal, whatever it takes.

Next: Big Jets-Kraken trade involving Shane Wright?