Veteran winger traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in late-night deal

The Columbus Blue Jackets pulled an unexpected move before the NHL holiday roster freeze, bolstering their forward line with a physical addition by trading for Mason Marchment from the Seattle Kraken.

In return, Seattle gained a second-round pick in the 2027 draft and a fourth-round pick in next year's draft. The fourth-round pick belongs to the New York Rangers.

Marchment adds a strong, physical aspect with his six-foot-five, 215-pound frame. The 30-year-old has been a two-time 20-goal scorer and has notched four goals and 13 points through 29 games with the Kraken this year.

In his tenure within the league, Marchment has put up 80 goals, 202 points, and 284 penalty minutes in 331 games.

The trade takes place at a time when both clubs are looking to start anew after difficult beginnings. Columbus leads the Eastern Conference in terms of worst record, while the Seattle Kraken are tied for worst in the West.

For the Kraken, this trade relieves cap space, given that Marchment is in the final season of a four-year, $18 million contract.

As an undrafted player, Marchment made his entry into the NHL at the age of 24 with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2019-20 season, before being traded to the Florida Panthers.

Marchment played for Florida for two seasons before signing with Dallas, but was then traded to Seattle in June.

Columbus wasn't done there, as they also announced that forward Brendan Gaunce has been placed on the non-roster list while away from the team for some personal reasons. Gaunce has registered one goal and four points in his last 12 games.