Two original Seattle Kraken are Kraken no longer a part of the franchise. Forward Jaden Schwartz has departed for the greener pastures of the Colorado Avalanche. Defenseman Jamie Oleksiak has signed with the Vancouver Canucks. Fellow unrestricted free agent Eeli Tolvanen is almost certain to follow.
This represents malpractice on the part of Kraken management – a drum no one has beaten more forcefully or articulately than our own Simmer. Not because the team should have tried hard to re-sign any of the veteran trio. The malpractice occurred back at March’s trade deadline, when general manager Jason Botterill held on all three in an ultimately fruitless attempt at a playoff run.
Let’s pause here to say that Botterill has otherwise had a successful offseason. Trading for – and as of today signing an extension with – Mackie Samoskevich, good move. Convincing Bobby McMann to sign before reaching free agency, good move. Resisting the impulse to overpay for a bargain-bin free agent, good move. And though Chase Reid unexpectedly fell to the Kraken at 7th overall at last Friday’s NHL Draft, not overthinking the pick: good move.
However, draft choices and prospects are a numbers game. No one knows for sure which ones will pan out, so it’s best for a non-contending team to stockpile as many as possible. Some are trade chips, like the 1st and 2nd round picks used to acquire Samoskevich from Florida. Letting Schwartz, Oleksiak and Tolvanen walk for no return is poor asset management.
Schwartz Leaves Kraken For President’s Trophy Winners
The Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday signed Schwartz to a three-year, $9.75 million contract. Returning to the Rocky Mountain State is familiar territory for Schwartz. He played at Colorado College before turning pro.
“We thought Jaden Schwartz would be a great fit offensively in a top-nine role,” returning Avs GM Joe Sakic said. “Kind of go anywhere in the lineup, gives us depth, brings that championship pedigree. (Schwartz in 2019 won a Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues, the team that originally drafted him in 2010.) Great guy, kind of fits our identity and the way we like to play.”
ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski noted, “The forward took less than market value, as AFP Analytics had him projected at around $4.8 million on a two-year term. He’s experienced, hard-working, offensively gifted and hungry to play relevant hockey after only making the playoffs once in Seattle. Good player, really good cap number for Colorado.”
The 34-year-old winger had completed the five-year, $27.5 million contract signed with the expansion Kraken in 2021. Injuries limited Schwartz to 50 games and 11 goals last season. In 2024-25, he reached his Kraken high water mark in goals (26) and assists (23). His overall totals in five Seattle campaigns: 301 games, 79 goals, 89 assists.
“Big Rig” Drives Up I-5 To Vancouver
While Schwartz signed with the top team in last year’s regular season, “Big Rig” Oleksiak signed with the worst. The Vancouver Canucks inked the 6-foot-7 defenseman to a two year, $10 million deal.
“Jamie is a big body who moves very well on the ice,” said new Canucks general manager Ryan Johnson. “He’s a solid two-way defenseman who isn’t afraid to use his size and strength to his advantage, and we like his reach and athleticism. He competes very hard and has grown into a good leader in the dressing room. Adding him to the mix on the back end will help us in many positive ways.”
From NHL.com: “Oleksiak, 33, appeared in 78 games with the Seattle Kraken in 2025-26, registering 15 points, 36 penalty minutes, and a +9 rating. He finished third on the Kraken in hits (112) and blocked shots (106). (Oleksiak) has skated in 758 career games, split between the Dallas Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Kraken.”
More Ex-Kraken On The Move
In a move that will shock and dumbfound Kraken fans, the San Jose Sharks shelled out $35 million over five years for free agent Mason Marchment. The only move more shocking would be if the Kraken produced a “welcome back” video the first time Marchment returns to Climate Pledge Arena as a Shark.
After being traded from Dallas last offseason, Marchment spent 29 unproductive games in Seattle. He didn’t score much, but did stir up a lot of on-ice trouble with opponents that he started, but teammates were required to finish.
Another former Kraken, Oliver Bjorkstrand, has left the Lightning to sign a one year, $4.5 million deal with the New York Rangers.
Earlier Kraken:
— Strike! Kraken Prospect Aces Mariners Debut
