Alexander Wennberg’s Career Journey
Alexander Wennberg, selected 14th overall in the first round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, took a significant step in his career by joining the Seattle Kraken as an unrestricted free agent on July 28, 2021. Prior to this move, he had spent six fruitful seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets followed by a brief stint with the Florida Panthers. He quickly became a fan favorite in Seattle, admired for his agility and exceptional playmaking skills.
Performance with the Kraken
During his nearly three-year tenure with the Kraken, Wennberg participated in 222 games, netting 33 goals and compiling a total of 67 assists, highlighting his offensive contributions. Notably, he was pivotal in securing victories, having scored the game-winning goal on nine occasions.
Trade to the New York Rangers
March 2024 saw a major change for Wennberg as he was traded to the New York Rangers in exchange for a 2024 second-round draft pick, alongside a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2025 draft. He completed the season with the Rangers, marking a milestone of 700 NHL games played.
Contract with the San Jose Sharks
Once back on the open market, the veteran center signed a two-year deal worth $10 million with the San Jose Sharks. The 2025-26 NHL season represents the second year of this contract. During the 2024-25 season, Wennberg featured in 77 games for the Sharks, accumulating 35 points from 10 goals and 25 assists.
Future Prospects
As the Sharks continue to rebuild with a youthful roster, the future for Wennberg remains uncertain, raising questions about whether the team will choose to renew his contract or potentially trade him. On a related note, the Montreal Canadiens have recently signed Joe Veleno, a forward previously with the Kraken, to a one-year deal worth $900,000 following his release from Seattle.
