The Seattle Kraken have made a significant splash to bolster their forward group, acquiring 23-year-old winger Mackie Samoskevich from the Florida Panthers. In exchange, Florida receives the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft and a conditional 2027 second-round selection.
We have acquired Tampa Bay’s 2026 first-round selection (previously acquired by Seattle) and a 2027 second-round selection (conditional) from the Seattle Kraken in exchange for forward Mackie Samoskevich.
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) June 21, 2026
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Drafted 24th overall by Florida in 2021, Samoskevich represents the exact archetype Seattle has been searching for: a dynamic, offensive-minded winger who can drive play in transition.
During the 2025-26 campaign with the Panthers, Samoskevich established himself as a full-time NHL forward, posting 12 goals and 20 assists for 32 points across 77 games. While those numbers might not immediately jump off the page, his underlying metrics paint the picture of a player primed for a breakout. He directed 161 shots on net and registered 136 hits in a relatively sheltered role, averaging 14:28 of ice time per night behind Florida's heavy-hitting top six.
The first-round pick this year originally belonged to the Tampa Bay Lightning, but it was sent to Seattle in a three-team trade in March 2025, with the Lightning receiving Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand. The condition on the 2027 pick is that it will be the higher pick between the Winnipeg Jets and the Columbus Blue Jackets.