The bulk of NHL free agency is far in the rearview mirror. But there are still some unrestricted free agents (UFAs) out there who could be intriguing short-term options, especially for the Seattle Kraken, who still need to add to their depth.
The Kraken have already made a few notable moves this offseason. Briefly: they acquired Mason Marchment from the Dallas Stars, signed free-agent defenseman Ryan Lindgren, and traded for forward Freddy Gaudreau.
Even with those additions and some re-signings, the Kraken still have a little over $6.5 million in cap space to work with if they choose to make another move. While general manager Jason Botterill has indicated the team is happy with its offseason so far, there’s always room for more.
“You look at our forwards, our defense, our goaltending. We’re trying to bring depth to our organization,” Botterill said at development camp regarding the moves made this season. “We’re trying to create competition in a lot of different positions.”
Being competitive consistently is what the Kraken have always strived for, but three of their four seasons have fallen short due to a dearth of starpower up top and a lack of depth at the bottom of the lineup—both offensively and defensively.
New head coach Lane Lambert could benefit from adding another depth piece that can help at both ends of the ice.
“We have to find competitive advantages down the lineup. Whether that’s a third- or fourth-liner in the forward position or having a strong second or third D-pair, those are things that we need to continue to work on,” Botterill said.
Looking at the current depth chart, there’s certainly room for at least one more veteran addition. So, with about a month before training camp starts, here are a few names still on the market that could be good fits for the Kraken—and what they might cost.
Victor Olofsson – wing, 30 years old
GP: 56 | G: 15 | A: 14 | P: 29 | PPG: 0.52 | PIM: 16
Previous Cap Hit: $1.075 million, 1 year
Escaping the grasps of the Buffalo Sabres and joining the Vegas Golden Knights seemed to do wonders for the Swedish right winger, as he finished with a positive rating for the first time in his six full NHL seasons—plus-17.
Olofsson was also a key contributor to Vegas’ power-play success last season, scoring six goals. He would be a boost in helping the Kraken’s special teams get off to a fast start.
Luke Kunin – center / wing, 27
GP: 63 | G: 11 | A: 7 | P: 18 | PPG: 0.29 | PIM: 46
Previous Cap Hit: $2.75 million, 1 year
Kunin offers some offensive upside and could fit the competitive mold the Kraken are looking for in their depth pieces.
Physicality is his bread and butter, however, as he’s near the top of the league in hits each season, with 187 last season. Unsurprisingly, he does also collect a lot of penalty minutes because of the edge he plays with.
Matt Grzelcyk – left defense, 31
GP: 82 | G: 1 | A: 39 | P: 40 | PPG: 0.49 | PIM: 16
Previous Cap Hit: $2.75 million, 1 year
Grzelcyk isn’t going to wow you with his goal scoring, but he is a smart passer who creates breakout plays. His 39 assists last season were a career high.
While it’s unlikely the 5-foot-10, 180-pounder signs with Seattle given the current collection of left-shot defensemen with Vince Dunn, Jamie Oleksiak, Ryker Evans, Josh Mahura, and the aforementioned Lindgren, Grzelcyk could be a fit if Botterill ends up trading a lefty blueliner.
Jan Rutta – right defense, 34
GP: 54 | G: 3 | A: 6 | P: 9 | PPG: 0.17 | PIM: 28
Previous Cap Hit: $2.75 million, 3 years
Again, with the blue line currently appearing full, signing a defenseman feels unlikely. But if somebody were to move out, adding a right-shot defenseman might be more up the Kraken’s alley. Rutta stands at 6-foot-3, 210 lbs. The former two-time Stanley Cup champion would bring penalty-killing experience and some size D corps.
Other names still available
Forwards:
- Craig Smith, 35 – 18 points (9-9=18) in 59 games played last season
- Jack Roslovic, 28 – 39 points (22-17=39) in 81 GP
- Joel Kiviranta, 29 – 23 points (16-7=23) in 79 GP
Defensemen:
- TJ Brodie, 33 – 10 points (2-8=10) in 54 GP
- Travis Hamonic, 34 – (1-6=7) in 59 GP
So what do you think? Should the Kraken consider any of the names mentioned above? Leave your thoughts below.
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What UFAs are still available for the Kraken to sign? appeared first on
Sound Of Hockey.
