Kraken News & Rumors: Schultz in a Developmental Role, Wright Trade Rumors, & More

As the NHL offseason news continues to roll in, here’s a look at the latest headlines that have surfaced surrounding the Seattle Kraken.

Kraken Hire Justin Schultz in Developmental Role 

On June 18, the Kraken announced that former NHL defenseman Justin Schultz will be returning to the team in a player development role, helping to prepare their blue line prospects for the NHL. 

Schultz played 12 seasons with four different teams. He began his career with the Edmonton Oilers, where he played for three and a half seasons before being traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2015-16 campaign. He helped raise the Stanley Cup in Pittsburgh that season and in 2017. 

Schultz became a free agent at the end of 2019-20 and signed with the Washington Capitals, where he played for two more seasons. When he hit free agency again after the 2021-22 season, he signed with the Kraken. Schultz played his final two seasons in Seattle before retiring at the end of the 2023-24 campaign. Schultz played 745 regular-season games in his career, recording 324 points via 71 goals and 253 assists.

In the Kraken’s press release, Schultz noted that he’s looking forward to joining the front office.

“This is something I’ve always wanted to do, to help players try to get to the next level,” said Schultz from his hometown Kelowna, BC. “I loved my time in Seattle. I’m excited to get to work with these prospects. They’re all obviously great players; they’ve been drafted or signed. I want to help in whatever way I can with what they need to get better. I’ve played a lot of games, won some Stanley Cups, I am hoping to relay some positive things to them.”

With his experience and passion for helping young players, he will be a great addition to the Kraken’s developmental team. 

Kraken Extend Morrison 

On June 21, the Kraken extended forward Bobby McMann, but before that, on June 18, they extended forward Logan Morrison on a one-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $850,000. Morrison played the entire 2025-26 season with the Kraken’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, where he recorded 61 points via 29 goals and 32 assists. 

After confirmation that the Firebirds’ captain, Max McCormick, is retiring from professional hockey, Morrison will have a chance to step up and prove himself next season. John Hayden and Gustav Olofsson are the two alternate captains, and if one of them is named captain, maybe Morrison will have a chance at a leadership role. 

Shane Wright Remains in Trade Talks 

Also on June 21, the Kraken traded a 2026 first- and 2027 conditional second-round pick to acquire Mackie Samoskevich, but their offseason moves likely won’t end there. David Pagnotta most recently posted that Shane Wright’s future is still up in the air and that General Manager Jason Botterill has been shopping him to see what he can get in return.

Teams rumoured to be interested include the Winnipeg Jets, the Philadelphia Flyers and the New Jersey Devils. Seattle will take their time on this to make sure they make the right decision and get the best possible return for the fourth overall pick in 2022.

Wright was drafted by the Kraken and has played in the NHL since 2022-23, but only earned a full-time role over the last two seasons. He has played 169 games with 78 points. Wright wants more room to develop as a player, and hopefully, if he is moved, he will get that opportunity if he can’t find it in Seattle.

Kraken Hire Allvin and Vincent

On June 11, the Kraken announced that Patrik Allvin has been named assistant general manager, while Pascal Vincent will join the team as an assistant coach. 

Allvin was most recently general manager of the Vancouver Canucks, before he was fired in April. The Canucks finished last in the NHL this season, prompting a need for a change in the front office. However, he was out of a job for a short time before jumping into his new role with the Kraken. He and Botterill worked together with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Kraken’s previous assistant coach, Jessica Campbell, made history in 2024 as the first woman to be hired behind an NHL bench. She left the team after this season to pursue other opportunities. Before joining the Kraken, Vincent was the head coach for the Laval Rocket, the Montreal Canadiens’ AHL affiliate, where he was named AHL Coach of the Year in 2025. 

Both Allvin and Vincent have been working in hockey for a long time and are well respected. They should be welcome additions to the organization.

Eberles Are Expecting Twins 

A bit of lighthearted news to cap off this edition of Kraken News and Rumors: Jordan Eberle and his wife, Lauren, are expecting twins. They already have three children. The couple shared the exciting news on Instagram. Wishing them the best of luck throughout this exciting journey.