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Kraken reel in top free agent goaltender Philipp Grubauer

The Seattle Kraken have made a splash.

According to multiple reports, the Seattle Kraken have brokered a contract with the prize among free agents goaltenders, signing Philipp Grubauer to a six-year deal worth $5.9 million annually.

Grubauer joins the expansion side after helping the Colorado Avalanche win the Presidents' Trophy with a Vezina-nominated regular season. He posted a 30-9-1 record in 40 appearances, keeping a .922 save percentage on seven shutouts.

It's a curious decision on the part of the Kraken, who seemed to establish a fairly solid and cost-effective tandem through the expansion draft with Chris Driedger and Vitek Vanecek under contract. However, some might consider it more of a head-scratcher from Grubauer's perspective, given the situation he's leaving. It's unclear what the offers were from Colorado, but it's probably safe to assume that it didn't measure up to the $35 million-plus secured from Seattle.

It will be interesting to see how the Kraken proceed with four goaltenders now under contract, including their third option out of expansion, Joey Daccord. Presumably there will be interest in Vanecek in the trade market.

The Seattle Kraken made a big splash in their first foray into free agency, signing Philipp Grubauer to a six-year deal. (Photo by David Becker/NHLI via Getty Images)
The Seattle Kraken made a big splash in their first foray into free agency, signing Philipp Grubauer to a six-year deal. (Photo by David Becker/NHLI via Getty Images) (NHLI via Getty Images)

Colorado, meanwhile, is having the goaltending carousel stop an an inopportune moment. Frederik Andersen, Petr Mrazek, Jonathan Bernier, Martin Jones and Laurent Brossoit have each inked deals in free agency, leaving the cupboard a bit empty.

Linus Ullmark is one option still on the board.

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