Seattle Kraken forward Alex Wennberg sat out Monday night’s 4-2 victory over the Calgary Flames amid a potential trade.
He didn’t take part in the morning skate, and coach Dave Hakstol confirmed Wennberg’s status, citing “trade-related issues.”
Wennberg, 29, is in the final season of a three-year, $13.5 million contract and is due to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the league year. The veteran has 25 points (nine goals, 16 assists) in 60 games this season.
The 14th overall draft pick by the Blue Jackets in 2013, he has played for Columbus, the Florida Panthers and Seattle. He has tallied 330 points (90 goals, 240 assists) in 693 games and was a member of the original Kraken expansion roster in the 2021-22 season.
On a contender, he would be in a terrific position to help his free agent résumé. A top-tier passer who has strong underlying offensive numbers, he has a high hockey IQ and is a penalty killer who can create short-handed chances for his new club.
The problem with Wennberg this season has been the problem with Wennberg throughout his career: an inexplicable divide between his analytics and his actual production. But on the right team, he could excel.
The Kraken are nine points out of the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference entering play Monday.
The NHL trade deadline is Friday at 3 p.m. ET.
Information from Field Level Media was used in this report.
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