While forward Mason Appleton was activated after missing 13 games, another teammate needed to be removed from the 23-man roster (18 skaters and two goalies dress for games, three players are reserves or healthy scratches).
Forward Nathan Bastian will be placed on NHL waivers at 11 a.m. Wednesday. If no team claims him, Bastian will likely be assigned to the Kraken's American Hockey League affiliate Charlotte Checkers.
Appleton was the expansion choice from the Winnipeg Jets over the summer. He was a pivotal player for the Jets during the 2021 postseason, leading a line that scored and defended against opponents' top lines, something recently noted by Kraken captain Mark Giordano when asked about facing Appleton during a season with the unique North or all-Canada division.
The 25-year-old, 6-foot-2, 193-pound forward was injured during the second period of the Oct. 26 home win. He suffered a lower-body injury when pinned awkwardly on a check by Montreal defenseman Sami Niku. He has scored 21 goals and added 26 assists in 154 NHL games across regular season and playoffs.
Appleton was on the ice for full practice Tuesday at the Kraken Community Iceplex, taking regular turns during line rushes. He did the same during Wednesday's morning skate.
Bastian, Seattle's selection from the New Jersey Devils during the July expansion draft, has scored one goal and added an assist in 12 games for the Kraken. His last appearance was Nov. 9 against Vegas. He scored his goal against Arizona Nov. 6. He has seven goals and eight assists in 60 NHL games.
