Kraken scratch Wennberg amid trade interest from Rangers, Avs, more
Published
Seattle Kraken forward Alex Wennberg was held out of the team's morning skate and won't play Monday against the Calgary Flames due to "trade-related" issues, head coach Dave Hakstol announced.
TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston reports the move is precautionary as the Kraken work their trade options. He adds the New York Rangers and Colorado Avalanche are among the teams who have shown interest.
Wennberg is a pending unrestricted free agent, carrying a cap hit of $4.5 million on his expiring deal. TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun reports the Kraken looked into re-signing Wennberg but have since decided to move him.
The 29-year-old centre has nine goals and 25 points in 60 games this season. The Stockholm, Sweden native had 13 goals and 38 points in 82 games last season, adding two goals and seven points in 14 playoff games with Seattle.
Selected 14th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2013 draft, Wennberg has 90 goals and 330 points in 693 games with Columbus, the Florida Panthers and Kraken.
The Kraken enter play Monday sitting nine points back of the Nashville Predators for the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference. The Flames, St. Louis Blues and Minnesota Wild all sit ahead of Seattle in the playoff race.