Surprising some observers, the Kraken passed on several high-profile, unprotected players. Instead, the team took a cap-friendly approach to roster development.
To fill out its roster, the Kraken needed to select at least 14 forwards, nine defensemen, and three goalies. Out of the 30 selections, 20 players required contracts through the 2021-22 season, and the team must be cap-compliant at $81.5 million max. Only the Vegas Golden Knights–the NHL’s most recent expansion team–was shielded from putting up players in the Expansion Draft.
Seattle chose to address defense early, working out contract extensions with UFA and shutdown defenseman Adam Larsson (Edmonton) and big-bodied Jamie Oleksiak (Dallas). Next, Seattle zeroed in on goaltending, signing Chris Driedger (Florida) to a three-year extension. At forward, Seattle plucked two-time Stanley Cup Champion Yanni Gourde (Tampa Bay).
On the flip side, notable players not selected included goalie Carey Price (Montreal), winger Vladimir Tarasenko (St. Louis), and pending UFA Gabriel Landeskog (Colorado).
Here’s the full roster by team with salary figures and/or status:
Anaheim Ducks: Haydn Fleury D $1.3M
Arizona Coyotes: Tyler Pitlick RW $1.75M (traded to Calgary)
Boston Bruins: Jeremy Lauzon D $850K
Buffalo Sabres: Will Borgen D RFA
Calgary Flames: Mark Giordano D $6.75M
Carolina Hurricanes: Morgan Geekie C/W RFA
Chicago Blackhawks: John Quenneville LW $750K
Colorado Avalanche: Joonas Donskoi RW $3.9M
Columbus Blue Jackets: Gavin Bayreuther D UFA
Dallas Stars: Jamie Oleksiak D UFA (signed $4.6M x 5)
Detroit Red Wings: Dennis Cholowski D $894K
Edmonton Oilers: Adam Larsson D UFA (signed $4M x 4)
Florida Panthers: Chris Driedger G UFA (signed $3.5M x 3)
Los Angeles Kings: Kurtis MacDermid D $875K
Minnesota Wild: Carson Soucy D $2.75M
Montreal Canadiens: Cale Fleury D RFA
Nashville Predators: Calle Jarnkrok C/W $2M
New Jersey Devils: Nathan Bastian RW $825K
New York Islanders: Jordan Eberle RW $5.5M
New York Rangers: Colin Blackwell C/W $725K
Ottawa Senators: Joey Daccord G $750K
Philadelphia Flyers: Carsen Twarynski LW RFA
Pittsburgh Penguins: Brandon Tanev LW $3.5M
San Jose Sharks: Alexander True C RFA
St. Louis Blues: Vince Dunn D RFA
Tampa Bay Lightning: Yanni Gourde C $5.17M
Toronto Maple Leafs: Jared McCann C/W $2.94M
Vancouver Canucks: Kole Lind RW RFA
Washington Capitals: Vitek Vanecek G $717K
Winnipeg Jets: Mason Appleton RW $900K
Will the Kraken be a playoff contender? That’s a difficult assessment. There is strength on defense, including longtime Calgary Flames captain Mark Giordano, plus formidable goaltending in Driedger-Vanecek. But the offense lacks firepower. So, at best, I evaluate Seattle as a fringe playoff team.
But, no matter, the larger issue is there’s pro hockey in Seattle! Buckle up, Pacific Northwest. The Kraken are here!
