A blockbuster move in the NHL’s pre-holiday roster freeze saw the Columbus Blue Jackets add veteran forward Mason Marchment to their lineup, trading away a 2027 second-round pick and a fourth-round pick in next year’s draft to the Seattle Kraken.
The Trade Deal
The transaction, completed on Friday night just before the NHL’s roster freeze, sent the 30-year-old Marchment to Columbus. In exchange, Seattle received a 2027 second-round selection and a fourth-round pick for the following draft-picks that the Blue Jackets had originally obtained from the New York Rangers in a prior trade.
Marchment’s Profile
Marchment, standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 215 pounds, brings a physical presence to the Blue Jackets’ forward group. He is a two-time 20-goal scorer over his seven-year NHL career and tallied four goals and 13 points in 29 games with the Kraken this season. Across 331 career games, he has accumulated 80 goals, 202 points, and 284 penalty minutes.
Blue Jackets’ Perspective
“Mason is a player I know very well, and I think he will add a great deal to our team,” Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said. “He is a physical, hard-nosed competitor with proven offensive ability and we are very excited to have him join the Blue Jackets.” The move comes as Columbus is tied for last in points in the Eastern Conference standings.
Kraken’s View
“This trade gives us more draft capital and flexibility as we look to improve our team moving forward,” Kraken general manager Jason Botterill said. Seattle, tied for last in the West, freed up salary-cap space on a player who is in the final season of a four-year, $18 million contract.
Marchment’s Journey
Undrafted, Marchment broke into the NHL at age 24, appearing in four games for the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2019-20 season before being traded to Florida. He spent two seasons with the Panthers, then signed with the Dallas Stars. Dallas later traded him to Seattle in June, acquiring two draft picks in the process.
Additional Roster Note
The Blue Jackets also announced that forward Brendan Gaunce has been designated non-roster due to personal reasons. Gaunce has recorded a goal and four points in 12 games with Columbus this season.
Key Takeaways
- Mason Marchment joins Columbus in a trade that nets the Kraken a 2027 second-round and a future fourth-round pick.
- Marchment’s size, toughness, and recent offensive production make him a valuable addition for a team tied for last in the East.
- Seattle gains draft capital and cap relief while adding a veteran forward to a squad tied for last in the West.
The trade underscores both franchises’ desire to shake up their rosters after slow starts, with each side hoping the new moves will provide the spark needed to climb out of last place.
Morgan J. Carter is a Texas-based journalist covering breaking news, local government, public safety, and community developments across Austin. With more than six years of reporting experience, Morgan focuses on delivering accurate, clear, and timely stories that reflect the fast-moving pulse of the city.
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