In a surprising move, the Seattle Kraken have decided to part ways with defenseman Brian Dumoulin, trading him to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round draft pick. Dumoulin, who only has one year left on his current contract, was a reliable defenseman for the Penguins but struggled with injuries throughout his career.
Despite signing Dumoulin to a two-year contract last season, the Kraken found themselves with an overcrowded blue line, with players like Vince Dunn and newly-signed Brandon Montour taking priority. This left Dumoulin without a spot on the roster, leading to the decision to trade him to the Ducks.
The Ducks, who are currently in the midst of a rebuild, see Dumoulin as a valuable addition to their lineup. His experience in big games and reputation for stepping up when needed make him an attractive asset for a team looking to solidify their defense. As one insider noted, “When healthy, Dumoulin has a reputation for being a defenseman who can step up when needed. This can be attractive not only for the Ducks, but for possible buyers at the 2025 Trade Deadline.”
The acquisition of Dumoulin by the Ducks is reminiscent of their previous move to bring in Adam Henrique in 2017 for his experience. As the Ducks transitioned from being a contender to a rebuilder, they ultimately traded Henrique to the Edmonton Oilers at the trade deadline. Similarly, there is potential for Dumoulin to follow a similar path. Although the Ducks only gave up a fourth-round pick for him, if Dumoulin has a strong bounce-back season, he could become a valuable trade chip for the team in the future.
Overall, the trade of Brian Dumoulin was a strategic move by the Kraken to make room on their roster, while the Ducks gained a veteran defenseman with experience and the potential for a significant return in a future trade. Only time will tell how this trade ultimately plays out for both teams.
