Seattle Kraken Free Agency Check-In: 2 originals leave

The Seattle Kraken are busy at work building their roster for the 2026-27 season as NHL free agency opened Wednesday.

Seattle Kraken pick defenseman Chase Reid No. 7 in NHL Draft

Here’s a look at what went down for the Kraken on Day 1.

Subtracted: Jaden Schwartz, Jamie Oleksiak

Seattle is waving goodbye to two of the most well-known players in its short history. Both forward Schwartz, who signed out of free agency ahead of their inaugural 2021-22 season, and 6-foot-7 defenseman Oleksiak, who was an expansion draft pick from Dallas, have played for the Kraken since their inception.

Schwartz, 34, is reportedly joining the Colorado Avalanche on a three-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $3.25 million. An alternate captain with the Kraken, Schwartz had 26 points (11 goals, 15 assists) in 50 games last season. He spent his first 10 seasons with the St. Louis Blues and is entering his 16th NHL season.

The 33-year-old Oleksiak had 15 points (five goals, 10 assists), 112 hits and 106 blocks last season. His two-year deal with Vancouver carries a $5 million AAV. He is entering his 15th NHL season.

Added: Curtis Douglas

The Kraken announced a two-year deal with an average annual value of $1.25 million with Douglas, who at 6 foot 9 is one of the tallest players ever to step on NHL ice. He proved to be the most prolific fighter in the NHL as a rookie last season, tying for the most fights for any single player with 10 despite playing in just 43 games.

For more on Douglas, click here.

Signed: Right wing Mackie Samoskevich

Fresh off of a trade with the Florida Panthers late last month to acquire Samoskevich, the Kraken locked the restricted free agent down with a three-year deal with a $3.85 million AAV.

The 23-year-old Samoskevich has 64 points in 160 combined NHL games between the regular season and playoffs.

“We’re very happy to have Mackie officially signed with the team for three years,” Kraken general manager Jason Botterill said in a press release. “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.”

Remaining Seattle Kraken free agents

• Unrestricted free agents

Eeli Tolvanen, RW
Matthew Murray, G
Gustav Olofsson, D
Mitchell Stephens, C
Max McCormick, LW

• Restricted free agents

Victor Ostman, G
Ville Ottavainen, D
Jacob Melanson, RW

Seattle Kraken news and more

• Kraken trade for Mackie Samoskevich, re-sign Bobby McMann
• Former Kraken forward Pierre-Edouard Bellemare retiring at 41
• Samoskevich brings skill to offensively challenged Seattle Kraken

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