Kraken Need Dunn to Step Up Offensively or Consider Trading Him

Throughout the offseason, there have been many discussions regarding Vince Dunn’s future with the Seattle Kraken. It’s been discussed as a part of several articles from the THW Kraken team, however, this piece is solely about him. The 25-year-old has one year left on his contract at a $4 million cap hit and could find his name popping up in trade rumors this season. He has neither a no-trade nor a no-movement clause in his contract, so general manager Ron Francis has the whole league available if he chooses to move him.

Dunn had a decent 2021-22 season when you look at things in black and white. He scored seven goals, 28 assists and 35 points in 73 games while playing a career-high 20:41 average time on ice (ATOI). He also led the Kraken in assists and points by a defenseman.

Now, I’m getting ahead of myself. However, these are ideas that the Kraken need to consider when thinking about Dunn’s future throughout the season. Despite harping that if he doesn’t step up they should trade him, I don’t hate him as a person or a player. The Kraken need a No. 1 defenseman. If he can’t grasp that role and take his game to that level, then they need to move on.