The reductions include four players with two-way contracts and NHL experience, allowing Seattle to send those individuals to AHL Charlotte training camp if they clear waivers. The 24-hour waiver period begins Saturday at 11 a.m. and ends Sunday at the same time.
Defensemen Connor Carrick, Gustav Olofsson and Cale Fleury are all NHL-tested players, along with goalie Antoine Bibeau, who is a proven performer at the American Hockey League level. If all or any of those four players are not claimed by another NHL franchise, the hope is the Kraken can assign the defensemen and goalie to Charlotte. Forward Scott Wilson was released from his professional tryout agreement.
Fleury, 23, appeared in 41 games with Montreal during the 2019-20 season. Olofsson, 26, played 56 games for Minnesota over three seasons, including 41 appearances in 2017-18.
Carrick, 27, is a 241-game NHL veteran who has played solid defense for Washington, Toronto, Dallas and the New Jersey Devils. Like his fellow defensemen, he will be a valuable reserve should the Kraken roster change or need reinforcements during the season due to injury, illness, lineup shakeups, suspensions or AHL players earning an opportunity.
AHL veteran Bibeau, 27, has played in four career NHL games, two with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2016-17 and two with the Colorado Avalanche in 2019-20, earning a 2-1-0 record.
