Kraken Extend Qualifying Offers to Four Players Ahead of Free Agency

The Seattle Kraken made headlines on Monday by extending qualifying offers to four players: Jacob Melanson, Mackie Samoskevich, Victor Ostman, and Ville Ottavainen. This strategic move comes ahead of the NHL’s deadline for teams to issue qualifying offers to pending restricted free agents, which was set for 5 p.m. ET on the same day. By extending these offers, the Kraken secure the right of first refusal or the opportunity for draft choice compensation should any of these players sign an offer sheet with another team.

Among the players receiving offers, Melanson is a forward who made an impact in 36 games for the Kraken last season, tallying two goals and three assists for a total of five points. His contributions, while modest, reflect his potential to grow within the organization.

Samoskevich, another forward, previously played 77 games with the Florida Panthers, scoring 12 goals and providing 20 assists. His recent trade to Seattle, which involved a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and a second-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft, underscores the Kraken’s investment in his future with the team.

On the defensive side, Ostman had a brief tenure with the Kraken last season, appearing in just one game where he showcased his skills by saving 35 shots and achieving an impressive .943 save percentage. This performance could bode well for his prospects moving forward.

Finally, Ville Ottavainen, selected 99th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, also received a qualifying offer after appearing in one game for the Kraken. Last season, he played 53 games with the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds, further developing his game and preparing for potential opportunities at the NHL level.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.