Report: Seattle Kraken sign Justin Schultz

The Seattle Kraken have signed Justin Schultz, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Wednesday.

The deal is in the range of two-years and $3-million AAV, Friedman reported.

Schultz, 32, has split his 10 year NHL career with the Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins and most recently, the Washington Capitals. He’s coming off a season that saw him score four goals and 23 points in 74 games. Known more for his offensive upside than defensive prowess, the rearguard’s numbers have dipped over time.

According to hockeyviz.com, Schultz provided offence at a one percent rate below league average last year and defence at a two percent rate below league average.

Now heading to the Pacific Northwest, it’s easy to imagine Schultz’s ice time to jump from the 16:55 he played per game with the Capitals last season.

Drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2nd round of the 2008 draft, Schultz never signed with the team. He opted to return to the NCAA before signing as a free agent with the Edmonton Oilers. Edmonton eventually traded him to the Penguins, before joining the Capitals as a free agent in 2020.