Kraken Re-Sign Gustav Olofsson to One-Year, Two-Way Contract
The Seattle Kraken have added depth to their defensive roster, signing defenseman Gustav Olofsson to a one-year, two-way contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $775,000.
Contract Details and Waiver Status
Olofsson, previously under an American Hockey League (AHL) contract with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, will now operate under an NHL deal. The contract includes a $460,000 salary in the AHL. Following the signing, the Kraken placed Olofsson on waivers for the purpose of reassignment to the Firebirds.
“We’re happy to have Gustav under contract with our team,” said Kraken General Manager Jason Botterill. Seattle Kraken PR
Olofsson’s Recent Performance
The 31-year-aged Olofsson has been a consistent presence with the Firebirds, serving as an alternate captain for the past four seasons. He has shown increased offensive production this season, registering 16 points (2 goals, 14 assists) in 29 games. This output is the third-highest among Firebirds defensemen, trailing Tyson Jugnauth and Ty Nelson.
Olofsson has been particularly productive recently, earning five points and 10 penalty minutes over his last eight games, even as maintaining a plus-five rating.
NHL Experience and Role
While Olofsson has spent the majority of his time in the AHL, he has appeared in 63 NHL games across six seasons with the Seattle Kraken, Minnesota Wild, and Montreal Canadiens. He has recorded 11 assists in those games. His strengths lie in his defensive play, utilizing his size and reach to disrupt opposing offenses.
The Kraken have not recalled Olofsson since the 2023-24 season. His role is expected to remain primarily with the Firebirds, providing depth and veteran leadership to Seattle’s AHL affiliate.
FAQ
- What is the length of Gustav Olofsson’s new contract? One year.
- What is the AAV of the contract? $775,000.
- Where is Olofsson expected to play? Primarily with the Coachella Valley Firebirds.
- Has Olofsson played in the NHL before? Yes, he has played 63 NHL games with three different teams.
Pro Tip
Two-way contracts allow teams to retain valuable players within their organization while providing flexibility in managing their NHL roster. This deal allows the Kraken to keep Olofsson within reach for a potential call-up if needed.
The signing of Olofsson provides the Kraken with a reliable defensive option at both the NHL and AHL levels, bolstering their organizational depth as they navigate the remainder of the 2025-26 season.