The Seattle Kraken are looking to buff up the roster ahead of their second season in the NHL and they managed to make a big splash in free agency, bringing a Stanley Cup champion on board. According to Chris Johnston of TSN Hockey, the Kraken have agreed upon a five-year deal with former Colorado Avalanche forward Andre Burakovsky.
Andre Burakovsky is heading to Seattle on a five-year deal.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 13, 2022
Burakovsky will make an average of $5.5 million per annum, bringing the total value of his deal to $27.5 million. It's a major signing for the Kraken, who also brought in veteran defenseman Justin Schultz on a two-year deal.
Burakovsky instantly becomes the Kraken's highest-earning forward, alongside Jordan Eberle and Jaden Schwartz, both who also earn $5.5 million per year. Only Phillipp Grubauer earns more at $5.9 million per season. Eberle hits unrestricted free agency in 2024, while Schwartz won't be on the open market until 2026.
As for Burakovsky, his deal runs through the 2026-27 season, meaning he's the longest contracted player on the team, alongside Jared McCann and Grubauer.
It's been an exciting start to the offseason for the Kraken, who saw Shane Wright fall into their laps during the NHL Draft, and have now managed to bring a Cup winner into the mix, too.
Last season with the Avalanche, Burakovsky enjoyed a breakout year. He registered a career-high 61 points across 80 games, including 22 goals, and provided an additional 8 points in 12 games during the playoffs, winning his second-career Stanley Cup.
At 27, the former Washington Capitals first-round pick will look to be a mainstay in Seattle's top six and continue to build off his career year from 2021-22.
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