Huge opportunity for the Detroit Red Wings as two surprise names get placed on waivers by the Seattle Kraken

The Seattle Kraken have been eliminated from playoff contention, and as a result, have to make roster moves. That included GM Ron Francis placing John Hayden and Cale Fleury on waivers today.

The Kraken seemed to be on an upswing after dethroning the former Stanley Cup champions, the Colorado Avalanche, in the 2023 playoffs. The last two seasons have shown they're anything but contenders, and now GM Ron Francis will have to utilize the waiver wire in order to optimize the lineup.

That could give the Red Wings a chance to exercise some flexibility in the roster by claiming both Hayden and Fleury, who would be affordable depth options to add.

Fleury was originally drafted by the Montreal Canadiens, 87th overall in the 2017 NHL Draft. He hasn't been able to crack a regular lineup in the NHL during his 77-game stint in the league, and has only played for the Canadiens and Seattle Kraken. Could the Red Wings develop him into an NHL defenseman? This season he's only played 14 games for the Kraken, with 1 point (1 assist) and a +1 under Head Coach Dan Bylsma.

John Hayden hasn't been able to find a stable home in the NHL as a 30-year-old center. He's bounced around from Chicago, New Jersey, Buffalo, and Arizona before he arrived in Seattle.

While Hayden wouldn't be an ideal waiver claim for the Red Wings at the NHL level, he could find himself as a depth option in Grand Rapids.

He's played only 19 games in the NHL this season and has scored 2 points (1 goal, 1 assist).

The Kraken won't be done making moves, and the Red Wings should keep an eye out for any potential waiver claims that could positively impact the team's future.

For now, we have depth options thanks to Ron Francis.