Seattle Kraken: Top 3 potential team captains they could pick

The Longshot: Brent Burns

The San Jose Sharks are going to have some difficult decisions to make as the expansion draft approaches. They are only allowed to protect up to three defensemen and eight forwards, or four defensemen and four forwards. Erik Karlsson and Marc-Edouard Vlasic each have no-movement clauses, so unless they are willing to waive those clauses, they must be protected.

Furthermore, the Sharks are dedicating quite a bit of money to their defense. Between Brent Burns, Vlasic, and Karlsson, they’re dedicating over $30 million of cap space to their blueline through the 2024-25 season. If the Sharks decide to rebuild, they’re going to need to cut that down a bit. Burns is the most logical option.

Picking Burns would be a risky move for the Kraken. Yes, he has a Norris Trophy, awarded annually to the best defenseman, and has been a finalist on two other occasions. Burns is one of the most gifted offensive defensemen in the league and few can do the damage that he can do with the puck. However, he’s already 35 years old and his contract runs until he turns 40 years old.

There’s also the issue of his cap hit. Burns has an $8 million annual cap hit, which takes up a shade under 10% of the salary cap, which is expected to remain stagnant for several seasons. That’s a lot to invest in someone whose best years are probably behind him.

So why should the Kraken take Burns? Because the Sharks might be willing to offer additional assets for them to do it. The Kraken have the luxury of having a blank slate. If they’re smart, they’re going to use that to their advantage by being willing to take on a bad deal or two in exchange for draft picks and prospects. The Sharks are a team the Kraken should consider taking advantage of.’

Ryan Getzlaf of the Anaheim Ducks is another longshot option. He likely won’t be exposed in the expansion draft, but crazier things have happened.