Seattle Kraken Sign First Goaltender!

The Seattle Kraken are off and running as they have come to terms with free agent netminder Chris Driedger on a three-year deal worth $3.5 million per season. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet was first to report the news.

As we await what SEA decides with Carey Price, word is that the Kraken are closing in on FLA’s Chris Driedger at 3x$3.5M. I dont believe that precludes them from selecting Price, but one goalie appears locked-in.

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 19, 2021

As Friedman quickly points out, this will not influence their interest in Carey Price out of Montreal and considering it's likely Price needs surgery this summer, Driedger could easily step in and carry the load until Price is ready. Plus add in the fact there's a ton of goalie talent available in the expansion draft so the Kraken should be set up very nicely in a few days.

Chris Driedger, reportedly signing with SEA 3x$3.5M, has had exceptional results in a very small sample. It's a risk to be sure, and the Scott Darling comparable isn't too far off. #SeaKraken pic.twitter.com/RuFqLBV9y4

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 19, 2021

As for Driedger, he came out of nowhere for the Florida Panthers in 2019-20 and last season recorded a 2.06 GAA and a .927 save %, which were both amongst the league leaders. Unfortunately in the Stanley Cup Playoffs it was a much different story.  The 27 year old is looking to solidify himself as a proven 1A/1B netminder in the league and now gets to call Seattle home for the foreseeable future. Now we wait to find out who he will be sharing the crease with.

Photo credit:  Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports