The Kraken and Finnish forward Eeli Tolvanen haven’t begun discussions regarding a contract extension for the pending unrestricted free agent (UFA).
Of Seattle’s UFA’s, Tolvanen is the one the club should have the most intense interest in extending. He’s 26, entering his prime, and would provide some roster continuity as the franchise moves forward into season six.
The same can’t be said for captain Jordan Eberle who turns 36 in May and is still looking for his first Stanley Cup win. It’s his top priority. 33-year-old Jaden Schwartz already helped earn a championship, in St. Louis with the Blues in 2019, but sentiment around the league suggests “Schwartzy” wouldn’t mind moving along to try for another with a contender.
Tolvanen’s focus, aside from the three games remaining on the Kraken’s pre-Olympic schedule, are the Games themselves in Italy. To suggest he’s excited about representing his native Finland, the defending Olympic Men’s champions — NHLers weren’t involved in Beijing — would be an understatement.
When the topic of a new Kraken contract came up between us, Tolvanen referred to Seattle as his “second home … my first home actually.” He hasn’t lost sight of the fact that his career blossomed after the Kraken picked him up off waivers from the Nashville Predators in December of 2022.
He’s finishing up the 2nd year of a two-year contract that paid him $3.475-million per season.
With the NHL’s annual salary cap expected to increase to well above $100,000-million per team next season, “Tolvy” could expect to cash in as a free agent, but should also garner a handsome offer from the Kraken.
After speaking with the player, Pacific North Hockey also spoke to the player’s agent Mike Curran, who pointed to his client’s improved all around game and the fact his work ethic reached new levels last summer, adding strength, improved skating, all while working out back home with his older brothers. Both Joona and Atte play professional hockey in Europe.
Tolvanen is off his career high single season pace of 23 goals, set last season, but he is prepared to set a new career high in points. Keep in mind, he’s working under his third head coach in just three-and-a-half seasons, with Lane Lambert being the most “defensive minded”.
This is not a player the Kraken can allow to skate away. He and Curran are both expecting a long-term offer, one that would keep the sniper in Seattle’s mix for years to come.
The NHL trade deadline is March 6th, a pressure point for players who expect to move on. For Tolvanen, talks are expected to commence in some way, shape or form coming out of the Olympic break.
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