Seattle Kraken Sign Kim Saarinen to 3-Year Deal

On Sunday, the Seattle Kraken signed goaltender Kim Saarinen to a three-year, entry-level contract with an AAV of $975,000.

Saarinen was selected by the Kraken in the third round, 88th overall, of the 2024 NHL Draft. The Finnish netminder was the eighth goaltender chosen in Las Vegas and the second Seattle draft pick this year to sign an entry-level contract. First-round pick Berkley Catton signed his contract over a week ago.

Saarinen brings significant upside to his game with his 6-foot-4 frame and athletic reactions, covering most of the net even if he gets out of position. Daily Faceoff draft expert Steven Ellis ranked Saarinen as the No. 8 goaltending prospect entering the draft. While scouts, including Ellis, have noted Saarinen's tendency to allow soft goals, the 17-year-old has ample time to refine his skills and become a valuable part of the Kraken's system.

Saarinen caught the team's attention after progressing through the ranks with HPK in Finland. He has played the past two seasons with the organization's Under-20 team, making his Liiga debut with the senior squad in 2023-24. In two appearances, Saarinen posted a 1-0-1 record with a 2.46 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage.

In 23 games with the U-20 team, he went 14-5-0 with a 2.41 GAA, a .917 SV%, and two shutouts. He was named to the SM-sarja First All-Star Team and received the Jorma Valtonen Award as the league's top goaltender.

Internationally, Saarinen has represented Finland, playing for the Under-16 program and helping secure bronze at the 2022 Under-17 World Hockey Challenge. He also competed in the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the 2024 IIHF Men's Under-18 World Championship.