Kraken acquire – Seattle has acquired winger Mackie Samoskevich from the Florida Panthers in exchange for the 25th pick in this year’s draft and a conditional second-round pick in 2027. The Panthers will receive the higher of the Winnipeg Jets or Columbus Blue Jackets’ picks i
Seattle didn’t wait long to make its move. On Sunday, the Kraken announced they’ve acquired winger Mackie Samoskevich from the Florida Panthers, paying with the 25th pick in this year’s draft and a conditional second-round pick in 2027.
Florida’s price for the deal isn’t limited to that conditional swap. The Panthers will receive the higher of the Winnipeg Jets’ or Columbus Blue Jackets’ selections in next year’s draft.
Samoskevich arrives as an impending restricted free agent, but his recent production for Florida did most of the heavy lifting. The 23-year-old finished his season with 12 goals and a career-high 20 assists in 77 games, skating an average of 14:28 of ice time per night.
It wasn’t just what he produced—it was how he played. Listed at five-foot-11, Samoskevich recorded 136 hits, which was third-most on the Panthers. He also led Florida wingers with 33 blocks.
For long stretches, he was used in the bottom six, yet his shot output stayed steady. Samoskevich finished with 161 shots on goal, the fourth-most on Florida, and he played on the team’s second power-play unit.
Kraken general manager Jason Botterill framed the move as a targeted upgrade to Seattle’s forward group. “Mackie is a talented young player who we are excited to bring into the fold,” Botterill said in a statement. “He has speed, skill and scoring ability. A Stanley Cup champion with the Panthers in 2025. Mackie’s a player who can contribute offensively and add a spark to our lineup.”.
Florida drafted Samoskevich 24th overall in 2021, and his NHL path has already put real numbers on the board. Across 156 career games, the Newtown, Conn., native has totaled 27 goals and 36 assists.
He spent time in the same college pipeline as Kraken center Matty Beniers, too. Samoskevich played alongside Beniers while both were at Michigan.
For the Panthers, the trade reshapes the draft picture immediately. With the acquisition. Florida has now secured a second first-round pick for Friday’s draft. and it enters this year’s weekend with the ninth pick after finishing 40-38-4 in the past season. The Kraken, meanwhile, still control the No. 7 pick in the upcoming draft.
Seattle’s decision is clear: it’s moving assets now for a young forward they believe can add scoring and energy. Florida’s decision is just as clear in return—cash in for more draft capital as it turns the next few selections into leverage for the roster ahead.
Mackie Samoskevich Seattle Kraken Florida Panthers NHL trade 25th pick conditional second-round pick 2027 draft picks Jason Botterill Matty Beniers