Overview
- Seattle and Florida confirmed on June 21, 2026 that the Kraken acquired 23-year-old forward Mackie Samoskevich in exchange for the No. 25 overall pick in 2026 and a conditional 2027 second-round pick.
- Samoskevich will become a restricted free agent on July 1, so Seattle must negotiate a new contract before the start of free agency or risk losing leverage on his term and salary.
- The Panthers now hold two first-round picks in 2026 and extra second-round capital, moves designed to free salary-cap room and create trade chips that could be used to pursue a starting goaltender or other impact upgrades.
- Seattle traded draft capital for a player with NHL experience and power-play upside who is expected to get a bigger role and more ice time than he had in Florida.
- The 2027 second-round pick sent to Florida is conditional and will be the higher of the Jets’ or Blue Jackets’ selections, and initial reports on the deal were credited to David Pagnotta and Elliotte Friedman.