Panthers Trade Mackie Samoskevich to Kraken for 25th Pick

The Florida Panthers and Seattle Kraken completed a trade on Sunday, June 21, 2026, with the Panthers sending 23-year-old winger Mackie Samoskevich to Seattle in exchange for the 25th overall pick in the upcoming NHL draft and a conditional second-round selection in 2027.

The deal provides the Kraken with a young, skilled forward who is expected to step into a top-six role. Samoskevich, a restricted free agent this summer, recorded 32 points last season and brings championship experience, having won the Stanley Cup with the Panthers in 2025. Seattle general manager Jason Botterill said the team is excited to add a player with speed, skill, and scoring ability to its lineup.

For the Panthers, the trade represents a strategic shift, converting a player who struggled to secure a larger role on their veteran-laden roster into significant draft capital. Florida now holds two first-round picks in the 2026 draft, including the ninth overall selection, and multiple second-rounders. This influx of assets is notable for a team widely considered to have one of the league's weakest prospect pools.

The move also provides Florida with increased flexibility ahead of free agency. With over $15...