Overview

• Seattle signed winger Kaapo Kakko to a three-year contract worth an average of $4.525 million per season, removing him from arbitration eligibility.
• The new deal buys out Kakko’s first two potential unrestricted free-agent seasons and positions him for unrestricted status at age 27.
• Acquired from the New York Rangers in December, Kakko posted career highs with 44 points (14 goals, 30 assists) over 79 games last season.
• General manager Jason Botterill described securing Kakko as a top priority, citing his size, playmaking ability and willingness to drive to the net.
• With roughly $6.5 million in cap space available, the Kraken are set to focus on signing restricted free agent defenseman Ryker Evans.