Seattle Kraken Add To Defense Depth

He was once a top AHL prospect, but has only skated in the NHL on two occasions over the past five years. Right-shot defenseman Mitch Reinke played one regular-season game for the St. Louis Blues in 2018, and a playoff game for them in 2021, and hasn't been seen in the NHL since. But the Seattle Kraken have decided to take a chance on Reinke, adding him to the organization with a one-year deal.

The Seattle Kraken have signed D Mitch Reinke to a one-year, two-way contract, worth $775,000.#SeaKraken pic.twitter.com/vd5v8AHPR2

— Around The Horn Hockey (@ATHornHockey) September 1, 2023

It's a two-way contract for Reinke, at $775K. 

After an impressive two college seasons at Michigan Tech (44 pts in 76 games), he had a nice debut in the AHL in 2018-19, registering similar numbers as in his short college career, with 12 goals and 45 points in 76 games with the San Antonio Rampage. That's been his high-water mark, however, in the AHL, as he's settled into a 27-point man the past two seasons with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. His assist numbers have been impressive, however, as the D-man recorded 26 assists in 52 games last year. 

He is unlikely to crack the Kraken roster at camp, but he should be a solid contributor on the blueline for their minor league affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, last year's Calder Cup finalists. 

Photo; Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports