Seattle Kraken Acquire Mackie Samoskevich: What You Need to Know

The Seattle Kraken have made a significant move by acquiring forward Mackie Samoskevich from the Florida Panthers, a transaction announced on June 21st. In exchange for the promising center, Seattle sent the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft along with a conditional second-round pick in 2027.

At just 23 years old, Samoskevich has already made his mark in the NHL, playing three seasons and clinching a Stanley Cup during the 2024-25 season, his second year in the league. Over the course of 156 NHL games, he has tallied 27 goals and 36 assists, showcasing his ability to contribute on the ice.

Before stepping into the professional arena, Samoskevich honed his skills at the University of Michigan for two seasons, where he received notable recognition. His journey began in the USHL with the Chicago Steel, where he ranked fifth among rookies in the 2019-20 season, accumulating 34 points (13 goals, 21 assists) in 47 games.

Last season was particularly impressive for Samoskevich, as he achieved a career-high 32 points in 77 games, further solidifying his reputation as a rising talent in the sport. Kraken general manager Jason Botterill expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition, emphasizing Samoskevich’s championship experience and potential fit within the team’s dynamic. “For me, there’s the fact that, at such a young age, he’s been able to win a Stanley Cup already, and he’s been a part of a very successful organization in Florida,” Botterill said. “I just love his age, love his speed, and I love his shot. So, I think he’ll fit in very well with the style of play that we’re trying to play on an everyday basis here.”

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.