This offseason will be a busy time for general manager Ron Francis as the Kraken will have several important free agents to attend to and other decisions to make.
It was a disappointing campaign for the Kraken, as expectations ran high after the team entered the playoffs unexpectedly two years ago. That success did not translate into this season which saw the Kraken and take a step back and missed the playoffs.
According to capfriendly.com, the Kraken have 15 contracts signed for next year and currently holds $23 million in cap space. One of the primary concerns of the team was scoring to which the team has several players locked up for next year. However, they also have three restricted free agents in Matty Beniers, Eeli Tolvanen and Kailer Yamamoto and two unrestricted free agents in Pierre Edouard- Bellamare and Tomas Tatar.
The Kraken will do their due diligence and likely lock up their restricted free agents especially Beniers. As for Bellmare and Tatar, Bellmare saw a large drop in his production in the bottom six has he played 40 games, scored four goals with three assists for seven points and was a + 4 with 9 minutes and 50 seconds in ice time.
Tatar also saw a production drop as he only scored nine goals through 70 games. Francis made it clear during his postseason interview that he will be aggressive and looking for goal scoring which has become the primary concern.
It's likely both unrestricted free agents will be cut loose, and he will look for new players as there will be several good free agents open to be signed.
He will also have to deal with Justin Schultz as it's likely he will not be back with the team next year which means he will be open to look for a new offensive defenseman.
Currently, Francis and his staff are focused on the draft as they hold the 8th overall pick which would land him a great prospect.
