Bleacher Report: Kraken Receive F for Offseason

Bleacher Report recently graded each NHL team's offseason, giving the Seattle Kraken an F.

The Kraken signed Brandon Montour and Chandler Stephenson to seven-year contracts. Montour's AAV is $7.143M, and Stephenson's is $6.25M.

Kraken Sign Brandon Montour To Seven-Year Contract

These contracts carry significant risks. Both players are 30 years old, meaning they'll be 37 by the end of their contracts. While players can remain effective into their 30s, injury recovery and performance typically decline with age.

Bleacher Report criticized the Kraken for potentially overpaying Montour but was harsher on the Stephenson signing.

"There might not be a weirder offseason in the NHL than the one belonging to the Seattle Kraken. While Brandon Montour has a chance to be a solid upgrade to their defense, they may have dramatically overpaid him for what his production is likely to look like. But that potential overpay is nothing compared to what they gave Chandler Stephenson, signing him to a seven-year, $43.7 million contract that just simply goes against all sound logic and reason. They needed to upgrade their offense after dropping down to 29th in the league in goals, but this is not likely to be the path."

Kraken Sign Chandler Stephenson To Seven-Year Deal

Bleacher Report's grade reflects their concerns, but the Kraken had to make moves to improve. With Matty Beniers needing an extension and players like Shane Wright, Jagger Firkus, David Goyette, and Ryker Evans also up for new contracts while Montour and Stephenson are under contract, the Kraken's financial flexibility is tight.

If the Kraken succeed this season and remain playoff contenders, the contracts might be viewed more favorably. However, if Montour and Stephenson can't replicate their past success, Bleacher Report's harsh grade could prove accurate.