Détails additionnels:
Before people say this is so unrealistic omg blah blah blah. Look at the current situation the Kraken have.
Gourde and Wennberg are likely going to be their #1 and #2 up the middle. After that there is a question mark on who their third line center is going to be. It could be, McCann, Johansson, Järnkrok or Blackwell. Their Top 9 wingers would likely be Eberle, Schwartz, Donskoi, Tanev, Appleton and whoever doesn't play center of McCann, Johansson, Järnkrok and Blackwell. This means that if Seattle were to lose Appleton, it wouldn't really hurt their depth. He could be moved if the price is right. I think if the Leafs offered a 2nd round pick as well as a bottom 6 forward to round out their forward group, Seattle might very well bite.
Another thing I thought about that might just be me overthinking but anyways. Appleton was not present at the unveiling of the roster. Something that maybe could suggest that he would be someone that they could imagine flipping for a pick. It is just a thought and it could very easily be that he wasn't available to be there in person. I am very aware of other players not being present either that might have a big impact on the Krakens roster. It was just something I thought about and that I wanted to mention.