Kamal Ghorui
Ahead of the trade deadline, the NHL‘s Seattle Kraken have signed defenseman Gustav Olofsson to a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000, adding experienced depth to their blue line as they push for a Western Conference playoff spot. On Monday, General Manager Jason Botterill confirmed the deal, which carries an average annual value of $775,000, providing the Kraken with added depth on the blue line.Olofsson happens to be a promising player and would suit the defense line-up of the team, as he was previously under contract with Seattle’s AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, where he recorded two goals and 14 assists across 29 games played this season. In the 2023-24 season, he has played in just four contests for Seattle since signing with the team in free agency in 2021.
The Seattle Kraken sign Gustav Olofsson to a one-year trade deal to bolster the team’s blue line
The Seattle Kraken have signed defenseman Gustav Olofsson to a one-year trade deal to bolster the team’s blue line. Seattle Kraken General Manager Jason Botterill announced that the team has signed defenseman Gustav Olofsson to a one-year, two-way contract with a $775,000 AAV. According to the NHL, he has posted 16 points (2g/14a) in 29 games this season with the Firebirds, Seattle’s AHL affiliate. The alternate captain has amassed 51 points (7g/44a) in 151 regular-season games over four seasons (2022-26) with Coachella Valley. He also appeared in four NHL games with the Kraken between 2022 and 2024.Speaking about the trade deal, Jason Botterill stated, “We’re happy to have Gustav under contract with our team. He’s been a steady, veteran presence in Coachella and brings depth to our blueline.” (source: TSN)Originally drafted in the second round (46th overall) by the Minnesota Wild in 2013, Olofsson has NHL experience with Minnesota, the Montreal Canadiens, and the Kraken, having appeared in NHL games across three organizations earlier in his career. Olofsson has played in 63 career games at the NHL level, recording no goals and 11 assists in parts of six seasons spent with the Wild, Montreal Canadiens, and Kraken. In 395 games in the AHL, Olofsson has totaled 20 goals and 111 assists to go along with 173 penalty minutes and a plus-47 rating.Meanwhile, the Kraken entered the Western Conference on Monday with a three-point lead over the San Jose Sharks, Nashville Predators, and Los Angeles Kings for the final wild-card berth.
