Kraken to Begin Contract Talks with Key UFA Forward

Seattle looks to lock up veteran forward Eeli Tolvanen ahead of free agency

Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:54am

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The Seattle Kraken are set to begin contract negotiations this week with pending unrestricted free agent forward Eeli Tolvanen. Tolvanen, 26, is having a career year with 32 points in 62 games and the Kraken are hoping to retain him despite their struggles to score goals and make the playoffs this season.

Why it matters

Tolvanen has been a key contributor for the Kraken this season, and re-signing him would provide some much-needed offensive firepower as the team looks to take the next step and become a true contender in the Western Conference. However, the Kraken's reluctance to make major roster changes has some questioning whether they are truly committed to building a winner.

The details

The Kraken were active at the trade deadline, but ultimately decided to keep captain Jordan Eberle and not make any major moves. Now they are turning their attention to Tolvanen, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. The 26-year-old forward is having a career year with 32 points in 62 games, and the Kraken are hoping to lock him up before he hits the open market.

  • The Kraken will begin contract negotiations with Eeli Tolvanen this coming week.

The players

Eeli Tolvanen

A 26-year-old forward for the Seattle Kraken who is having a career year with 32 points in 62 games and is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Jordan Eberle

The captain of the Seattle Kraken who the team decided to keep at the trade deadline rather than trade.

Shane Wright

A young prospect for the Seattle Kraken who was rumored to be involved in trade discussions leading up to the deadline.

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What they’re saying

“Seattle tried to go big game hunting, again, and will try (again) this summer.”

— David Pagnotta, Reporter (The Fourth Period)

What’s next

The Kraken will need to decide whether to sign Tolvanen to a contract extension or let him test free agency this summer.

The takeaway

The Kraken's reluctance to make major roster changes despite their struggles this season has raised questions about their long-term vision and commitment to building a true contender. Re-signing Tolvanen would be a step in the right direction, but the team will need to be more aggressive in the offseason if they want to keep pace with the top teams in the Western Conference.