The Seattle Kraken have made their first signing in franchise history.
The Seattle Kraken have announced their first signing just a few weeks after formally becoming an NHL franchise by paying their final expansion fee instalment.
Captain Luke Henman of Blainville-Boisbriand has signed a three-year entry-level deal with general manager Ron Francis. Henman was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the third round of the 2018 NHL Draft, three months after Ron Francis was released.
"I am super-excited and honored," said Henman. "I have a belief in my game. My main focus will be to put in the work to get better."
"I immediately face-timed my parents," Henman said. "I wouldn't be where I am today without my parents [Melanie and Anthony]. Then I called my siblings [two sisters, 25 and 15, and a brother, 17; all hockey players]. We had the nice overtime win and then I got the news. It was a pretty cool day."
Three members of the scouting staff who were with Carolina at the time, Mike Dawson, Robert Kron, and Tony McDonald are now with Seattle and liked what they see in Henman.
"Our scouts have been watching players all year," said Ron Francis, Kraken general manager. "In this case, [scout] Mike Dawson has been a strong supporter for Luke. Robert Kron [director of amateur scouting] and Tony McDonald [scouting advisor] like him too.
"Luke has put up the numbers in the 'Q' and he is team captain. He has solid character. We do think he needs to get stronger. We are excited to sign him as our first player." Francis added.
Henman will join the Kraken for their inaugural rookie camp at some point this summer, and then will be at the team's main camp in September where he'll either end up in Seattle or with their AHL affiliate in Palm Springs, California.
"I can't thank them enough for believing in me," said Henman. "Now it's up to me to prove I belong."
The Halifax, Nova Scotia native has spent the past four seasons in the QMJHL with Blainville-Boisbriand, the last two seasons as captain. In 32 regular season games this season, Henman has recorded 43 points (16 G, 27 A), 20 penalty minutes, and was a +4. In 7 playoff games, he has 8 points (6 G, 2 A), 8 penalty minutes, and is a +3.
We'll take #SeaKraken history for $1000, @RonFrancis10.
Question: What is the name of the first-ever player to join the #SeaKraken?
Answer: Who is @lukehenman16 → https://t.co/fQQ4VQk8Xa pic.twitter.com/vM8UQVbCD5� Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) May 12, 2021
| POLL | ||
MAI 12 | 172 ANSWERS The Seattle Kraken have made their first signing in franchise history. Do you think Seattle will be a good team? | ||
| Yes | 93 | 54.1 % |
| No | 79 | 45.9 % |
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