Seattle Kraken select roster in expansion draft as newest NHL franchise
The Seattle Kraken officially have a team of hockey players.
The Kraken held their expansion draft on Wednesday in Seattle at Gas Works Park, selecting players to be on their roster for the upcoming season and beyond.
The stage is set. Your city. Your team.
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) July 21, 2021
Seattle, it's time. pic.twitter.com/3VAGUuRXBf
Based on the rules for the expansion draft, Seattle was allowed to pick one player from each team, except for the Vegas Golden Knights. The Golden Knights were exempt from the expansion draft since their organization just started in 2017.
Following the expansion draft, the Kraken have roughly $30 million in cap space. Seattle should continue to construct their roster over the next couple of weeks via the draft and free agency.
The 2021 NHL Draft starts Friday and free agency begins on July 28. The Kraken have the 2nd overall pick in the upcoming draft, giving them a chance to bring in a star-caliber player.
The Kraken will then hit the ice. Their inaugural season will start October 12 against fellow expansion franchise, the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The Kraken's home opener at brand-new Climate Pledge Arena will October 23 against the Vancouver Canucks.
Seattle's affiliate franchise will call the Coachella Valley home, hoping to make their debut in the Fall of 2022 in the brand new arena, which broke ground on June 2.
Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 for more on the Seattle Kraken and their future AHL franchise in our valley.
