NHL insiders deem Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks as prime trade destinations for $31,000,000 Kraken forward

NHL insiders have identified the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Vancouver Canucks as prime destinations for Seattle Kraken forward Yanni Gourde ahead of the March 3 trade deadline.

The 33-year-old center is in the last year of his six-year, $31 million contract, which has led to speculation that the Kraken could consider trading him. According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, the Maple Leafs make particular sense, given their need for an upgrade at third line center.

Gourde won back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021, experience that could prove invaluable for a Leafs team searching for playoff success.

"If indeed Gourde is moved, my matchmaking crystal ball has him landing with Toronto. … And he’s the kind of player general manager Brad Treliving appreciates,not shying away from the rough-and-tumble hockey played in playoffs," LeBrun said (per The Athletic).

While Gourde has a modified no-trade clause, LeBrun suggests that he would welcome a move to Toronto. Meanwhile, insider Chris Johnston sees the Canucks as another strong suitor.

“Gourde would arguably slot more seamlessly into the Canucks’ lineup as a third-line center. ... The veteran would bring a new element to the Vancouver bottom six and is known as a strong locker-room presence. You can never have too many winners in your lineup,” Johnston said.

Gourde's championship pedigree and leadership would be a boon for the young Canucks. After making Elias Lindholm trade last season, Vancouver should be eager to land a prime target like Gourde.

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Pierre LeBrun’s take on Kraken’s decision regarding Yanni Gourde

Pierre LeBrun remains cautious to see if the Seattle Kraken will make Yanni Gourde available.

LeBrun points out that last year the Kraken faced a similar situation with Seattle captain Jordan Eberle, who was also heading toward free agency. Instead of trading Eberle, Seattle chose to sign him to a contract extension to keep him from entering the market.

“Seattle now needs to make a decision on Gourde, and as of writing this, there haven’t been any contract discussions," LeBrun said.

Seattle now face the same decision with Gourde. As of now, there have been no contract talks between the team and the player. LeBrun says that it's still uncertain if Seattle will look to deal Gourde for future assets or if they follow the Eberle model and extend him before the deadline.