UNCATEGORIZED

Kraken make splash with Philipp Grubauer leading trio of signings

Jul 28, 2021, 1:44 PM | Updated: 4:19 pm

SEATTLE (AP) — Philipp Grubauer is going from anchoring a Presidents Trophy-winning roster to the unknowns of playing for the Seattle Kraken expansion franchise.

The Kraken had plenty of money to throw at Grubauer to make it happen.

Dooley: Three reasons Seattle Kraken will be competitive right away

After a somewhat underwhelming expansion draft, where Seattle landed some foundational pieces but also focused on preserving salary cap space, the Kraken made a trio of signings on the first day of NHL free agency Wednesday.

There was no bigger splash than agreeing to terms with Grubauer on a six-year, $35.4 million contract with an annual average value of $5.9 million.

Seattle also bolstered its forward lines by signing Jaden Schwartz and Alexander Wennberg. Schwartz agreed to a five-year, $27.5 million deal with an average value of $5.5 million, while Wennberg agreed to a three-year deal worth $13.5 million and an average value of $4.5 million.

In addition to the signings, the Kraken traded goalie Vitek Vanicek, their expansion draft pick from Washington, back to the Capitals for a 2023 second-round NHL Draft pick. The addition of Grubauer gave Seattle a surplus in the net.

Grubauer is the star of the three after finishing as a finalist for the Vezina Trophy for the first time last season. The 29-year-old Grubauer was 30-9-1 last season with the Colorado Avalanche with a 1.95 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage. He also led the league in shutouts with seven and didn’t lose consecutive games all season.

He will be paired with Chris Dreidger to form Seattle’s primary goaltending duo.

“We’re excited to add a goaltender of Philipp’s caliber, especially coming off of a season where he was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy,” Kraken general manager Ron Francis said in a statement. “He was a part of a Stanley Cup-winning team and has been one of the top goaltenders in the league over the past few seasons and we’re happy that he chose to join our team.”

With Grubauer and Dreidger locked in, the Kraken could be looking to move Vitek Vanecek after selecting him from Washington in the expansion draft. Vanecek appeared in 36 games for the Capitals last season.

Schwartz appeared in 40 games and had 21 points last season for St. Louis. He became a star during the Blues’ run to the Stanley Cup in 2019 when he had a team-high 12 goals.

Wennberg, 26, had a career-high 17 goals and had 29 points total in 56 regular-season games for Florida and will likely push for a spot as a top-six forward with the Kraken.

The Seattle Kraken Core: Six players who will be household names

...

Seattle Sports Video

Video: MLB Network’s Jon Morosi on Julio Rodriguez in 2025 | #SeattleSports

Jon Morosi of MLB Network joins Hosts Bob Stelton and Dave Wyman to discuss the Mariners heading into Spring Training and the importance of what a full year of consistent Julio Rodriguez could mean for the Mariners offense. —— Listen to The Wyman & Bob Show weekdays from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. live on […]

11 minutes ago

4 nations Canada World Cup of Hockey...

Stephen Whyno

World Cup of Hockey to return in 2028, NHL and NHLPA say

The World Cup of Hockey is returning in 2028, setting the stage for the sport to get on a routine of international competitions with the world’s best players every other year.

27 minutes ago

Nick Pivetta Seattle Mariners Boston Red Sox San Diego Padres...

The Associated Press

Victoria, B.C.’s Nick Pivetta going to Padres in free agency

Nick Pivetta became the last of the high-profile free agent pitchers to reach an agreement this offseason, a backloaded $55 million, four-year contract with the San Diego Padres.

48 minutes ago

Seattle Seahawks Justin Outten Denver Broncos...

Brent Stecker

Report: Seahawks hiring ex-NFL OC who worked with Kubiak

The Seattle Seahawks are hiring former Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Justin Outten to work under new OC Klint Kubiak, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

1 hour ago

...

Seattle Sports Video

Video: Taysom Hill, Future Seahawk? | #SeattleSports #Seahawks #nfl

Stacy Rost talks the potential of Taysom Hill joining his old offensive coordinator in Seattle. —- Listen to The Bump & Stacy Show weekdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. live on Seattle Sports 710 AM and the Seattle Sports App, or on-demand wherever you listen to podcasts. —– More info on The Bump & […]

2 hours ago

Kraken make splash with Philipp Grubauer leading trio of signings