How lyrical to say that pro hockey players like new Seattle Kraken Curtis Douglas are “following their dream.” The arduous part is that the dream – sometimes a nightmare – keeps changing locations.
The Kraken signed Douglas, a center, for two-years and $2.5 million on the first day of free agency. Since the 6-foot-9 Douglas last played for Vancouver, and the Canucks signed 6-foot-7 ex-Kraken defenseman Jamie Oleksiak the same day, Seattle gained two inches in the swap.
Canucks teammate Jake DeBrusk gave a thumbs-up thumbnail profile of Douglas to the Vancouver Sun. “He’s a gem. Lots of energy. He’s done his role and is valuable to this team.” Off the ice, too. “Funny dude. He’s pretty easy to back-and-forth with.” Then-Canucks coach Adam Foote also had praise. “He can play physical and emotional and get guys in the game.”
Like many fringe NHLers, Douglas hasn’t lasted with any organization too long. As we recount his journey, keep in mind the perseverance it’s taken for Douglas (and players like him) to keep the dream alive.
It’s also worth noting that even players deemed “fringe” by unsympathetic sportswriters have dynamic skills compared with mere mortals. Douglas has had his share of amateur glory, like a 2018 hat trick for the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires.
Newest Kraken Has Kept Bags Packed
Douglas never played for the Dallas Stars, the team that drafted him in the 4th round in 2018. In fact, once his junior hockey career ended, he traveled to Austria in 2020 to play briefly with the Linz Steel Wings. Douglas was soon back in North America, skating for the AHL Belleville Senators.
The Toronto Maple Leafs obtained his rights, sending him to their AHL affiliate for the entire 2021-22 season. But just 13 games into his next Marlies season, the Leafs traded him to the Arizona Coyotes.
He found his greatest stability to date, playing most of three years for the ‘Yotes AHL farm club. He also built a reputation as an enforcer with the Tucson Roadrunners, racking up 384 PIMs in 170 games.
When the Coyotes relocated to Salt Lake City as the Utah Mammoth, Douglas was plucked off waivers by the Tampa Bay Lightning on Oct. 6, 2025. (We don’t blame you if you’re losing track at this point – and you just have to read about it; Douglas had to live it.)
The upside was that the Oakville, Ont. native’s dream became reality at age 25, playing his first 29 NHL games. His first fight came three minutes into his first NHL game against the Ottawa Senators (one of his 10 fights last season). Overall, Douglas contributed two assists and 92 penalty minutes in a Lightning sweater.
Douglas also took the opportunity to soak up Tampa’s winning culture. “I had some key mentors,” he told The Province. “I lived with Brandon Hagel, and there were a lot of guys I was really close with and helped me grow my game and grow as a person. I’m really grateful for that. It’s something I’ll never forget.”
Next Stops: Pacific Northwest With Canucks & Kraken
By March of this year, which had also included a stop at AHL Syracuse, Tampa Bay cut Douglas loose again. This time, he was claimed off waivers by the Canucks. He finished out last season playing 14 games with Vancouver and realizing another dream, scoring his first NHL goal. Douglas also used his platform to raise funds for the Canadian Mental Health Association.
A last-in-the-league finish resulted in the Canucks cleaning house, including general manager Patrik Allvin. Fortunately, Allvin landed as an assistant GM with Seattle. So when Vancouver’s new management team allowed Douglas to walk, the Kraken snapped him up.
Without naming Allvin, Kraken GM Jason Botterill said familiarity was a factor is bringing Douglas aboard. “With our due diligence and just knowing the kid a little bit from people on our staff, he has an amazing work ethic to continue to improve. And he’s going to add a different dynamic to our group.”
By “different dynamic,” Botterill means “snarl.” Or more politely, willingness to stand up for teammates.
‘You’re Lucky To Be Here’
Though Douglas said these words while in Vancouver, his sentiments surely haven’t changed since joining Seattle.
“My mindset is that you’re lucky to be here. It’s a privilege and it can be taken away from you in a second. Trying to make everyone happier and a little lighter on their feet. Everything else is gravy and you just put in the work.”
Douglas is the third player in NHL history to be listed at 6-foot-9. No one on NHL skates has ever been taller. Will he make an impact that size for the Kraken? Or will his fate be as a healthy scratch, or back in the AHL at Coachella Valley?
Given Douglas’ history, probably all three. At least he’s on a “one-way” contract, meaning he’ll get paid his NHL salary regardless of which league he’s assigned to.
Douglas’ mom and dad have embraced their son’s frequent changes of address. On a wall of their office back home in Burlington hang jerseys of every team Douglas has played for.
Wouldn’t it be nice if a Kraken sweater became the centerpiece of their collection.
Earlier Kraken:
— Kraken Prospect Followed Hans Solo’s Advice
— Kraken Believe It Or Not; 4 Strange Stories
— Kraken Coverage That’s So Complete; It’s Astounding
Earlier Canucks:
— Canucks PR Poisons The Writers Association
BONUS VIDEO: Speaking of fighters, here’s some great tales from the NHL’s 7th-all time leading penalty minutes man, Craig Berube. “Chief” was recently fired as head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs …
