It was one of the worst-kept secrets of NHL free agency. Having the chance to talk with the Seattle Kraken during the exclusive negotiation window, Jaden Schwartz got a good indication of what a deal might look like if he signed one with the NHL’s newest team. Schwartz has officially signed a five-year contract with the Kraken at a yearly salary of $5.5 million.
Schwartzy
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) July 28, 2021
We've agreed to terms with Jaden Schwartz on a 5 year contract ($5.5M AAV). pic.twitter.com/p0ZPIfUUWW
The St. Louis Blues said to Schwartz after learning of the signing: “Thank you for a decade of service to the Blues and the city of St. Louis. It was an honor to see you in the blue and yellow and to win a Stanley Cup with you. We wish you luck in Seattle. You will always be a Blue in our hearts.”
Schwartz had 21 points in 40 games with the St. Louis Blues this past season. He had a career-high 57 points (22 goals, 35 assists) in 2019-10. He is a five-time 50-point winger with a career-best of 63 back in 2014-15. This a good pickup for the Kraken. It might not be an elite signing, but he’s bound to be productive in an elevated role.
The Kraken were looking to add some scoring punch to a lineup that included Yanni Gourde, Jordan Eberle, Joonas Donskoi and Calle Jarnkrok. The news also comes quickly after it was announced the Kraken had signed goaltender Philipp Grubauer from the Colorado Avalanche.
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