A 6'9" Bruiser Just Joined the Kraken and Nobody in the NHL Is Ready For It

Alright, Seattle, NHL free agency just kicked off, and the Kraken wasted zero time making moves for the 2026-27 season. But before we get to the exciting new faces, we gotta talk about saying goodbye to a couple of OGs. Seriously, it's a bittersweet pill to swallow, but two cornerstone players from our inaugural squad are heading out the door.

Two Kraken Originals Head for the Exits

It's tough to see them go, but Jaden Schwartz and Jamie Oleksiak, two of the most recognizable names from our short history, are moving on. Schwartz, our alternate captain, was a free agent signing before our very first 2021-22 season. He's reportedly off to the Colorado Avalanche on a three-year deal worth $3.25 million AAV. The 34-year-old winger put up 26 points last season, with 11 goals and 15 assists in 50 games. This guy is a veteran, entering his 16th NHL season after spending his first ten with the St. Louis Blues. Then there's the big man, 6-foot-7 defenseman Jamie Oleksiak. He was an expansion draft pick from Dallas, a true Day 1 Kraken. The 33-year-old is signing a two-year deal with Vancouver, carrying a $5 million AAV. Last season, Oleksiak had 15 points, tallying five goals and ten assists, plus he brought the physicality with 112 hits and 106 blocks. He's also entering his 15th NHL season. It’s a bummer to see them go, but that's the business of the league.

New Blood: The Biggest Fighter and a Skilled Forward

But hold up, it’s not all goodbyes! The Kraken aren't just letting players walk, they're bringing in some serious talent too. First up, the Kraken announced a two-year deal for Curtis Douglas with a $1.25 million AAV. You ready for this? Douglas stands at a staggering 6-foot-9, making him one of the tallest players to ever hit NHL ice! And he's not just big, he's a brawler. As a rookie last season, Douglas tied for the most fights in the NHL with 10, despite only playing in 43 games. You hear that, Climate Pledge? We got a new enforcer! And then there's Mackie Samoskevich. We traded for him from the Florida Panthers late last month, and now we've officially locked him down. The restricted free agent signed a three-year deal worth $3.85 million AAV. Samoskevich is just 23 years old and already has 64 points in 160 combined NHL regular season and playoff games. GM Jason Botterill is hyped about him, saying, "We’re very happy to have Mackie officially signed with the team for three years. He’s a proven winner who is skilled and brings speed and scoring ability to our group. We’re excited to get to work with him in the fall." Speed, skill, and scoring? Yes, please! Oh, and don't forget we also drafted defenseman Chase Reid with the No. 7 pick. Our blue line just got a future boost. So, while we're waving farewell to some familiar faces, the Kraken are clearly focused on building a faster, tougher, and more skilled team for the season ahead. There are still some unrestricted free agents like Eeli Tolvanen and Matthew Murray, and restricted free agents like Victor Ostman, whose futures are still up in the air. But with a new bruiser, a speedy forward, and a top draft pick, it's clear the Kraken are ready to make some noise. Let’s get it, Emerald City!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.