SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JANUARY 04: Brian Dumoulin #8 of the Seattle Kraken looks on during warmups before the game against the Ottawa Senators at Climate Pledge Arena on January 04, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)Photo: Steph Chambers / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
Brian Dumoulin’s stop in Seattle lasted one season.
The veteran defenseman will find a new home one day after free agency opened, dealt from the Seattle Kraken to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a fourth round draft pick in 2026.
The move is expected to pave the way for defenseman Ryker Evans to claim a full time spot within the lineup, where he struggled to stick long term while getting a goal and eight assists in 36 games, before heading back to Coachella Valley where he was a principal piece in their playoff run again and snagged 10 points in 18 postseason contests, en route to a second straight Calder Cup Final appearance.
“Ryker’s developed into a smooth skater, excellent skater,” said Kraken head coach Dan Bylsma. “He’s developed into a hard defender.”
“Great offensive guy with the puck.”
That path had some obstruction 24 hours ago. The Kraken made a big splash on day one of free agency, dismissing any conservative notions about the day and spent a combined $13 million in annual salary on both defenseman Brandon Montour and center Chandler Stephenson. With Montour’s howitzer shot and two-way brand plugged in, Evans still found himself behind six seasoned veterans on the defensive corps.
The implied message by the Kraken to Evans: get ready to play.
Dumoulin, 32, severed long ties with the Pittsburgh Penguins where he spent the previous eight full seasons and was brought in as a free agent last summer, supplying the Kraken in a depth role with 16 points in 80 games. His contract had one year left for $3.1 million, creating more space within the Kraken salary cap structure, which needs reserved space while the team continues to negotiate with restricted free agents Matty Beniers and Eeli Tolavnen, both due upgrades from their previous pacts.
The Kraken have a projected amount of $12.4 million left in cap space following the deal, according to capfriendly.com.