Kraken Add Depth By Signing Pierre-Edouard Bellemare

The Seattle Kraken add a little insurance by signing free agent Pierre-Edouard Bellemare to a one-year, $775,000 AAV deal. The 38-year-old is the exact type of player the team was looking to bring in to play behind some of the young talent and to provide a solid defensive game.

Pierre-Edouard Bellemare is joining the #SeaKraken on a one-year deal worth $775,000.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 7, 2023

The veteran just finished up two seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning where he was a solid fourth line center, but he regressed over the two years. Bellemare is very good in the faceoff circle and can be counted on in his own end. He'll block shots, make hits, and kill penalties. The Kraken are covering their bases with some forward depth that can help the area where they struggled the most last season, allowing goals.

With Shane Wright expected to get a longer look in the NHL this season, don't expect Bellemare to get a ton of games or to rack up the points. Although the Kraken had four productive lines last season, that is difficult to replicate, especially when some of the best depth players they had moved on. This signing could be a win or not hurt the team at all if it doesn't work out as they hope.