Welcome to Emerald City Hockey’s Kraken Free Agency Tracker! On this page, we’ll keep you up-to-date with the latest known information about all of Seattle’s free agent signings.
Last Update: July 30th, 2021 9:56AM
Kraken sign LW Jaden Schwartz to 5-year $5.5 million AAV contract
Seattle’s first reported free agent acquisition was Jaden Schwartz, who has spent the entirety of his 10-year NHL career with the St. Louis Blues. The former 1st round pick had 21 points in 40 games with the Blues last season but has been a consistent 50+ point player when healthy. Schwartz should slot in on the Kraken’s top forward line right away.
Kraken sign C Alexander Wennberg to a 3-year, $4.5 million AAV contract
The Kraken add to their biggest position of need by signing center Alexander Wennberg. Wennberg had a breakout season with the Florida Panthers as a valuable middle-six center. The cap hit is a little steep, but I like the player and since he’s 26, term shouldn’t be an issue.
Kraken sign G Philipp Grubauer to a 6-year, $5.9 million AAV contract
In a surprising move, the Kraken signed former Colorado Avalanche goalie Philip Grubauer. The Kraken now have one of, if not the best, goaltending tandem in the NHL. Over the last 2 seasons, Driedger and Grubauer rank 1st and 13th in the NHL in save%, 6th and 8th in goals saved above average (GSAA), and 2nd and 27th in goals saved above expected (GSAx).
Kraken trade G Vitek Vanecek to Washington Capitals for 2023 2nd round pick
The Philipp Grubauer signing necessitated this trade, as the Kraken had three NHL-level goalies on their roster. Seattle shipped Vanecek back to the team they selected him from in the expansion draft a week earlier.