Analysis: Why Kraken Trading For Mason Marchment Will Be Significant Upgrade For 2025-26
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The Seattle Kraken acquired veteran wing Mason Marchment from the Dallas Stars for a pair of draft picks. [/caption]
It may not be the headline-grabbing deal that so many fans of the Seattle Kraken are waiting for, but the Seattle Kraken opened the offseason with a move that undoubtedly makes the franchise better for 2025-26 entering the Lane Lambert era.
The Kraken acquired Mason Marchment from the Dallas Stars on Thursday, giving up a fourth-round pick in 2025 and a third-round pick in 2026. The deal comes on the heels of Marchment procuring 47 points in 2025 - 22 goals and 25 assists - over 62 games while helping the Stars reach the Conference Finals.
Let’s take a look at what Marchment brings the Kraken and why this was a no-brainer trade for Seattle’s revamped front-office:
Production
Marchment averaged 0.75 points per game last season, which would have ranked first on the Kraken’s roster. The 6-5 wing picked up 53 points the previous season, and has registered at least 12 goals in each of his four full professional campaigns. His best season in terms of points per game was 2020-21 when he scored 47 points in just 54 games before signing with the Stars the next offseason.
These are far from elite numbers, but they are nothing to sneeze at either. They’ve also come while averaging less than 16 minutes a game in each of his seasons, so he’s made the most of his time on the ice. It’s reasonable to think that Marchment is going to see more time out of the box with the Kraken, and that those numbers will bump up in what could easily be a Top 6 role with the Kraken this year. The one concern with Marchment is that he is viewed as a skater without anything close to top speed, but because he has a quality shot, good instincts, and is willing to get his body in front (more on that in a second), the point production should be more of an asset than detriment this season.
Toughness
Let’s be honest, folks. The Kraken have lacked an edge to them, a nice way to say the word you’re all thinking that starts with an S that I am not gonna write. But there’s a reason you’re thinking that word. There’s a lot of things you can say about Marchment. Lacking an edge isn’t one of them. The physical wing is known for his toughness on the ice, and while not an enforcer type, he is someone who is willing to do the “dirty” work. This is the type of player the Kraken have really been lacking since their inception at least in terms of their forwards, and while he’s just one player, it’s a step in the right direction.
Now, on the other side of that coin, that toughness can sometimes be a hindrance. Multiple people I spoke with about Marchment suggested that there are times where he will take penalties on a far-too-frequent of a basis. There’s a thin line between being aggressive and tough and hurting your team. There are times Marchment will do that, so it’s something to keep an eye out for.
Fit
The Kraken have a quantity of wingers. The quality of those players is a little bit suspect, and little bit is the nice way to put it. And after the Kraken traded Oliver Bjorkstrand - for a quality return, to be clear, but he’s still gone - that questionable quality became even more, well, questionable. Enter Marchment. He’s a perfect fit to replace Bjorkstrand, and while he doesn’t have the same type of goal scoring potential, he offers a similar production value as a better passer and a better two-way player.
Marchment also should be an upgrade to a power play unit that needs significant help, and has for several years running, playing on one of the top two lines with the advantage and as a helper to kill opposing power plays because of his size and willingness to help on that end.
This also moves Eeli Tolvanen into a role that fits him better as a sniper who plays on the fourth line and can be used how he fits best. And because of his potential for production and friendly contract, he’s also a player that’s easier for Seattle move in a potential deal. Just something to think about.
Cost
This is ultimately why I’m such a fan of this move. The Kraken got Marchment for less than they got for giving away Brandon Tanev. All due respect to Tanev, who was a fan favorite, but Marchment is a significantly better player, and a more important player for what Seattle is trying to do moving forward.
No, it’s not the star player they need. No, this can’t be it for the Kraken if they are serious about trying to get into the postseason in 2025-26. But Marchment is an excellent start to the offseason, and this doesn’t prevent them from making more moves. And the best part about this, is that if things do go wrong? You’re going to be able to move Marchment for more than they gave up to get him.
That’s a win-win, and Kraken fans should be thrilled to see a move like this to open the offseason. They can’t be done adding proven talent to the roster, but again, they got better, and that’s good. Getting better is always good.
