Kraken signing defenseman Schultz

*Photo from the Hockey Writers*

   Needing a jolt on offense, the Seattle Kraken went after a cup champion. The Kraken and D Justin Schultz have agreed to a two year, $6 million deal, according to an announcement made by the Kraken.

   Signing with the Kraken marks the 32 year old's 3rd team in 4 seasons, after spending the last two seasons with the Washington Capitals. The right shot D man will be making $3 million annually for both years of the contract, and has a modified no trade clause for both seasons as well, which is a 10 team no trade list submitted by Schultz.

   Part of the reason why the Kraken signed him is because they need a jolt on their power play. Typically, you see one defenseman operate near the blue line during the power play as a quarterback of the power play, which is something Schultz is adept at, despite not getting top power play minutes most of the time.

   Kraken GM Ron Francis said of Schultz that "We were looking at the back end to find someone to improve our power play. Justin is a guy that can do that. He hasn't had much of an opportunity to play. He was behind Carlson in Washington and behind Letang in Pittsburgh. We have a good opportunity for him."

   Last season, with the Capitals, Schultz tallied 4 goals and 19 assists, posting a subpar -15 plus/minus rating in 16:55 of ice time in 74 regular season games. Schultz added one goal and two assists in 6 playoff games for the Capitals last season.

   In his NHL career, spanning 10 years with 3 different teams, Schultz has 57 goals and 207 assists, averaging 20:17 of ice time with a -38 plus/minus rating in 602 regular season games. Schultz has an additional 7 goals and 25 assists in 67 playoff games.

   Across his 10 season NHL career, Schultz has played for the Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Edmonton Oilers since debuting in the 2012-2013 season with Edmonton. He was originally chosen in the second round of the 2008 NHL Draft by the Anaheim Ducks, and won back to back Stanley Cup Titles in 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 with the Penguins.

   The signing of Schultz helps to balance out the blue line for the Kraken entering next season. He joins Martin Jones and Andre Burakovsky as new additions to the Kraken so far in free agency.