The Kraken took care of basics on Monday. They qualified their three restricted free agents (RFA’s), Kaapo Kakko, Ryker Evans, and Tye Kartye. It simply means the club retains the players’ rights ahead of the free agency period. The two forwards Kakko and Kartye have arbitration rights; the D-man Evans does not.
It’s unlikely either of the aforementioned will go to arbitration; it’s a rare occurrence around the NHL. Earlier, in an exclusive conversation with Seattle Hockey Insider, Kakko’s agent Andy Scott said he 100% expects a new deal to get done shortly; likely a medium-length bridge contract with the player just a year away from unrestricted free agent (UFA) eligibility.
“Free agent frenzy” is next up. That would be Tuesday.
Put it this way, Canadian sports television networks will be on the air for ten to twelve straight hours waiting for UFA signings to come in and then they’ll sit around analyzing them.
It’s a big day to say the least and the Kraken could very well be involved. They have about $18-million in salary cap space at the moment and need help pretty much everywhere throughout the line-up. For them it’s almost like an NHL Draft mindset this time around; they might literally attempt to nail down the best player available.
A number-one center would be the dream pick-up, but the market there is very thin, especially after pivot Sam Bennett re-signed with the Stanley Cup champion Panthers.
Seattle general manager Jason Botterill has already shown signs of being more active than his predecessor and current boss Ron Francis. He’s indicated that no deal is off the table and there’s no reason not to believe him.
Earlier Kraken:
— Kraken Preseason Schedule Is Set
