Seattle Kraken refused to honour Brian Dumoulin's trade request

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Josh Tupper
July 17, 2024 (3:13 PM)

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Seattle Kraken's Trade of Brian Dumoulin to Ducks Ignores His East Coast Preference

After the free agent window opened on July 1st, the Seattle Kraken made a big splash by signing 2024 Stanley Cup champion Brandon Montour to a seven-year contract. This acquisition created an excess of defensemen on the Kraken roster, leading to the trade of Brian Dumoulin to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a draft pick. However, it has come to light that Dumoulin had requested a move to an east coast team, a request that was not honored by the Kraken.

According to Travis Lazarczyk of the Portland Press Herald, Dumoulin and his representatives approached Seattle General Manager Ron Francis about a potential trade prior to the NHL Entry Draft. Dumoulin expressed a preference to join a team on the east coast. Despite this, the Kraken initially had no interest in trading him.

"Dumoulin said he and his representatives approached Seattle General Manager Ron Francis about a trade prior to the NHL draft in late June. They told the club Dumoulin would like to join a team on the east coast," Lazarczyk said.

He added, "At the time the Kraken told Dumoulin they had no interest in trading him. But when free agency opened July 1, Seattle signed defenseman Brandon Montour to a seven-year contract averaging just over $7 million annually. That gave the Kraken an excess of NHL defensemen with seven. The Kraken ultimately traded Dumoulin to the Ducks for a fourth-round pick in the 2026 draft. The move also freed up needed salary-cap space in Seattle."

Despite his preference not being honored, Dumoulin has expressed a positive outlook on joining the Ducks, recognizing the potential within the team.

"I'm excited about the opportunity. They're a young and up-and-coming team," Dumoulin said.

The two-time Stanley Cup champion set a new career-high in goals (6) during his first and only season with the Seattle Kraken, after spending the previous ten years with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Dumoulin will likely play a depth role on the Ducks' blueline, bringing valuable experience to a team that includes Cam Fowler and Radko Gudas. He will also contribute to Anaheim's penalty killing units.

Source: Blade of Steel
Kraken reportedly failed to honour Brian Dumoulin's request prior to trade