Jason Botterill, the new general manager of the Seattle Kraken, made his first trade by bringing in Mason Marchment, a left wing from the Dallas Stars. This move aims to boost the Kraken’s scoring and add some toughness, which Botterill highlighted during his introductory press conference.
Marchment, standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 212 pounds, has proven himself with back-to-back 22-goal seasons on a strong Dallas team. “Mason combines size, skill, and strength,” Botterill said. He believes Marchment will help the team in tight spaces, especially near the net.
Marchment’s experience in the playoffs is a big plus. He’s been part of three consecutive Western Conference Finals, giving him a solid understanding of the playoff atmosphere. “He knows playoff intensity,” Botterill noted.
Currently, Marchment has one year left on his four-year contract with a cap hit of $4.5 million. Botterill previously stated that the team needs “strength” to improve their play in front of both their net and the opponent’s. He praised players like Jaden Schwartz, a smaller forward who had a standout season with 26 goals, for showing that size isn’t everything.
Adding Marchment not only gives the Kraken more size but also strengthens their overall lineup. Coach Lane Lambert aims to create a versatile roster that can compete effectively. Marchment’s journey is quite interesting as he was undrafted and started with Toronto before moving to Florida and then Dallas.
Beyond his size, Marchment is known for his ability to win puck battles and has a powerful backhand shot. “He’s getting better and better,” said Pete Deboer, his former coach in Dallas. Marchment’s aggressive style is also notable; he has accumulated 258 penalty minutes and 189 points in just 302 career games.
Marchment’s playoff stats are equally impressive, with 59 games played, where he scored 11 goals and provided eight assists, contributing significantly to Dallas’s runs in recent years. His former teammate Sam Reinhart described him as a “popular and likable guy,” highlighting his positive influence in the locker room.
In the ever-changing landscape of the NHL, acquiring players like Marchment can set the tone for a franchise aiming for success. Botterill hopes that Marchment not only enhances the team on the ice but also fosters a strong team culture off it. With this trade, the Kraken are banking on Marchment being a game-changer for their future.