“That was really tough”: Jake Oettinger opens up on losing Mason Marchment after Dallas Stars trade to Seattle Kraken

Dallas Stars goalie Jake Oettinger has spoken for the first time since his close friend Mason Marchment was traded to the Seattle Kraken in June 2025. Oettinger, who is known as “Otter” or “Phenomenotter,” said the move was more than just a hockey decision.

For him, it felt like losing family. “That was really tough. It’s no secret how close he and I are,” Oettinger told NHL insider Sam Nestler earlier this week. “That’s one you never really get over. Just as good as it gets as a guy and a teammate.”

Jake Oettinger shares pain of losing Mason Marchment in Dallas Stars trade

Two draft picks were exchanged by the Dallas Stars on June 25, 2025, for Mason Marchment to the Kraken: a fourth-round pick in 2025 and Mason Marchment, who had just finished a great season with Dallas, with 25 assists, 22 goals, 47 points, and a +15 rating, was picked in the third round in 2026. Jake Oettinger claims that family ties rather than only hockey were the most difficult component. His wife and Mason Marchment's wife are his best friends; all couples are anticipating children at the same time.

“Mush is one of my best friends, and that’s not going to change. It’s a tough part of the job when you get really close with someone. … That whole part of it just su*ks,” Oettinger admitted. “It feels like right when I start calling someone my best friend, they get traded.”

Mason Marchment joins Seattle Kraken with message for fans

After the trade was announced in late June 2025, Mason Marchment quickly reached out to his new fanbase in Seattle. In a short video posted on X, Marchment introduced himself and promised hard work.“Hey, Kraken fans, Mason Marchment here,” he said. “I’m super excited to get to town and get to work.

I will see you guys soon.”Seattle’s general manager Jason Botterill praised Marchment’s style of play and experience when welcoming him to the team. “I think Mason has a unique combination of size, skill, and strength,” Botterill told NHL.com. “He works well down in the corners and around the net.”Also Read: Johnny Gaudreau and brother Matthew’s parents faced heartbreaking medical emergency after their deaths in New Jersey Botterill also pointed to Marchment’s playoff background. The forward has reached three straight conference finals in his career and brings valuable postseason experience to the Kraken, who missed the playoffs last season with a 35-41-6 record.Mason Marchment, now 29 years old, enters the final year of his four-year, $18 million contract that he signed with Dallas in 2022. His next step will be proving his value in Seattle while awaiting talks about a possible extension.