Kraken Poised for Offseason Splash with Available Cap Space

### Current State of the Roster
Defining the Seattle Kraken roster under contract is nuanced, but here's the breakdown: from last season's team, the Kraken have eight forwards, six defensemen, and two goalies signed for next season.

Currently, Eeli Tolvanen and Matty Beniers are restricted free agents under «team control.» We expect both to be qualified and signed before the season starts, so we'll include them in the roster. Additionally, Shane Wright is likely to make the team next season. With his entry-level contract (ELC), we can account for him financially.

This leaves the Kraken with 11 forwards, six defensemen, and two goalies for October. Most teams carry 23 players, typically 14 forwards, seven defensemen, and two goalies. Assuming no trades or other roster changes, the Kraken need three more forwards and one defenseman.

### Key Restricted Free Agents
**Matty Beniers** � Beniers had a challenging season, dropping from 24 goals and 33 assists in 80 games during the 2022-23 season to 15 goals and 22 assists in 77 games this past season. Despite the dip, Beniers is still on track to become an elite scorer. Seattle might opt for a long-term deal while his value is lower, but a bridge deal is also possible, likely earning him $4-5 million annually.

**Eeli Tolvanen** � Since joining the Kraken from the Nashville Predators, Tolvanen has found his stride, recording 16 goals and 25 assists last season. His physical play has been a key asset. After earning $1.45 million last season, he is expected to double his salary on his next contract with a similar term.

**Kailer Yamamoto** � Yamamoto's offensive output fell to eight goals and eight assists in 59 games. Despite this, Seattle might retain him for another season at a $1.5 million qualifying offer, hoping he can replicate his past success from Edmonton.

Other RFAs include C Luke Henman, F Ville Petman, and D Peetro Seppala.

### Key Unrestricted Free Agents
**Pierre-Édouard Bellemare** � Bellemare, who signed for the league minimum last July, contributed four goals and three assists in 40 games. At 39, he might retire, but his solid even-strength performance (CF% 54.9%) could make him a valuable veteran presence for another season.

**Justin Schultz** � Schultz, once a power-play quarterback in Pittsburgh, remains a skilled offensive defenseman. Despite his defensive shortcomings, his ability to move the puck and his right-shot status make him a candidate for a multi-year deal elsewhere.

**Tomas Tatar** � Tatar had a disappointing season with the Colorado Avalanche, scoring nine goals and 15 assists in 70 games. At 33, he's likely to seek a similar contract as last year, possibly providing secondary scoring for a cap-strapped team.

Other UFAs include D Connor Carrick, G Chris Driedger, F John Hayden, F Cameron Hughes, F Kole Lind, LW Max McCormick, C Andrew Poturalski, D Mitch Reinke, D Jimmy Schuldt, F Devin Shore, G Ales Stezka, and F Marian Studenic.

### Projected Cap Space
The Kraken enter the offseason with just over $23 million in available cap space and several needs to address. Re-signing restricted free agents will consume part of this space, but Seattle will still have room to make significant improvements. They have good depth up front but lack high-end talent, which might lead them to pursue a player like Sam Reinhart, despite the cost. The defensive core also needs bolstering, particularly with Justin Schultz's likely departure. After missing the playoffs last season, Seattle will feel the pressure to make a strong impact this summer.