The Kraken is closing in on a multi-year agreement with Chris Driedger of Florida
Former Boston Bruins and New York Islanders GM and current New York Rangers GM Ron Francis has wasted no time in getting at least one goaltender signed ahead of the expansion draught on July 21st, and has set a precedent by building a successful team from the net out in Seattle.
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman revealed that the Kraken, the Florida Panthers' minor league affiliate, are in negotiations with pending UFA goalie Chris Driedger's camp regarding a multi-year contract that would make Driedger the Panthers' first goalie in team history.
According to Friedman, the contract would be a three-year term at roughly $3.5 million per season. This is still fairly impressive for a 27-year-old goaltender with just 41 NHL games under his belt.
Even though Driedger looks poised to take one of the Kraken's goaltender positions, Friedman says that fact has no bearing on the team's desire to sign Canadiens netminder Carey Price. It still appears as though price is a significant factor.
Driedger appeared in 23 games for the Panthers in the 2020-21 season, winning 14 games with a 2.07 GAA and a .927 SV%.
In accordance with the expansion draught rules, Driedger will be the Tampa Bay Lightning's selection from Florida on July 21st.
