Massive Addition: Kraken Closing In On Agreement To Sign Experienced Veteran Forward In Free Agency

SEATTLE — The Seattle Kraken, who had just signed free agency defenseman Brandon Montour, added center Chandler Stephenson to their roster on Monday with a seven-year, $43.75 million contract extension.

“He brings a winning pedigree and offensive consistency to our team, and we’re excited to have him in our lineup this season,” Kraken general manager Ron Francis said.

This offers the Kraken a top-line center to complement Matty Beniers, Shane Wright, and veteran Yanni Gourde in the middle. Stephenson, 30, has been an important part of the Vegas Golden Knights’ success, helping them win the Stanley Cup last year and producing 16 goals and 35 assists this season.

Stephenson, who has scored 50 points in three straight seasons, also won the Cup with Washington versus Vegas in 2018. He became the eighth player in NHL history to win a championship against a team he subsequently won with.

His career faceoff percentage of 52.6%, which matches his number from last season, ranks him among the best Kraken players in an area that has been a significant team weakness for the franchise’s first three years. Stephenson won 58.1% of his faceoffs in the 2022-23 season.

The Kraken’s moves on Monday indicate that they plan to quickly return to playoff contention while cultivating young prospects.

They have dished out maximum -term contracts to two players who will be 37 by the time those deals end, showing they have an eye on immediate returns.

The Stephenson signing also allows Jared McCann to slide back to his more familiar left wing spot from which he’s scored the majority of his franchise -high 96 regular season goals.