The Seattle Kraken and winger Bobby McMann are locked in talks over a new contract, with both sides expressing mutual interest and a clear deadline before the NHL’s free‑agency period opens on July 1.
Contract talks and financial outlook
McMann, who posted 29 goals last season while splitting time between the Kraken and the Toronto Maple Leafs, is expected to command roughly $21 million over a four‑year term, translating to an average annual value just above $5 million.
Adding to the front‑office shuffle, former Kraken general manager Ron Francis has accepted a special‑advisor role with the Pittsburgh Penguins, bringing decades of executive experience and two Stanley Cup championships as a player and captain.
Veteran defenseman Justin Schultz is set to return to Seattle in a player‑development capacity, leveraging his extensive NHL background after finishing the last 143 games of his playing career with the Kraken and capturing two Stanley Cups during his stint with the Penguins.
The Kraken’s development camp will run from June 30 through July 2, featuring public prospect practices that give fans a first look at emerging talent, while the preseason schedule has been trimmed to four games, including two matchups against the Calgary Flames.
These moves underscore the Kraken’s aggressive approach to retaining key talent while reshaping its leadership and coaching staff, setting the stage for a competitive preseason and a hopeful push toward the playoffs.