Taking a look at Ron Francis' summer as the GM

«What summer?» Francis joked, drawing smiles from the crowd.

Though August is typically the quietest month in the NHL, Francis was busy negotiating key contracts. Star forward Matty Beniers signed a seven-year, $50 million contract in August, keeping him with the Kraken through the 2030-31 season. Veteran defenseman Adam Larsson also re-signed for four more years at $26 million, extending his time in Seattle until the 2028-29 season.

Francis expressed excitement about locking in Beniers for the long term, saying, "Matty's only going to get better each year, and it's great for the team and the fans to see him grow."

As for Larsson, Francis praised him as a crucial player since day one. "Lars is a heart-and-soul guy who loves Seattle and is committed to what we're building."

Larsson's defense partner, Vince Dunn, is also signed through 2026-27. Francis hinted that the strong Larsson-Dunn pairing will likely continue this season, noting their chemistry over the past three years.

"Vince found his stride, and Lars got a fresh start here. They've become a solid duo," said Francis.

Beniers' new deal coincides with the additions of Stanley Cup champions Brandon Montour and Chandler Stephenson, both of whom signed seven-year contracts. The team also selected highly rated prospect Berkly Catton in the draft, setting high expectations for the upcoming season.

Larsson and Beniers both expressed confidence in the team's future. "Everyone left last season hungry for more," Larsson said, adding that the new additions will push the team forward. Beniers echoed this optimism, highlighting Montour's offensive skill on defense.

Francis shared that Beniers had put on 10 pounds over the summer, focusing on strength training and healthier eating habits. On a lighter note, Beniers mentioned he'll continue living with teammate Will Borgen despite his new contract.

As for the Kraken's salary cap, Francis joked that there's only $4,000 in space left, leaving little room for more signings, but he's comfortable with the current 21-man roster. He added with a smile, «Not much sleep for our cap team this year.»