Kraken shed salary, open roster spot by trading Brian Dumoulin to Ducks

SEATTLE — On Tuesday, the Kraken freed up funds to pay their young talent and space for a homegrown defenseman waiting in the wings, dealing veteran Brian Dumoulin to the Anaheim Ducks for a fourth-round draft pick.

On Monday, the Kraken signed right-handed defenseman Brandon Montour to a seven-year, $50 million contract with an average annual value of $7.14 million. Assuming 2021 second-round draft pick Ryker Evans is ready to make the jump to the NHL full-time — and the Kraken gave every indication that is the case — that meant the Kraken would carry too many defensemen with seven.

General manager Ron Francis played it close to the vest, reminding that the team often carries seven defensemen, with one in the press box, ready to fill in if needed. But the next morning he dealt Dumoulin for a pick in 2026.

More importantly, the Kraken shed $3.15 million in salary. In addition to Monday’s free-agent spending spree — Chandler Stephenson also got a pricey seven-year $43.75 million deal — they are in negotiations with young forwards Matty Beniers and Eeli Tolvanen, both of whom are restricted free agents.

Dumoulin signed in the summer of 2023 and played one season in Seattle and set a career-best in goals with six. He appeared in all but two games and was primarily used on the third defensive pairing with Justin Schultz, who is an unrestricted free agent.

“We want to thank Brian for his contributions to the Kraken this past season,” Francis said in a statement. “He was an important part of our defensive core, and we are wishing him all the best in Anaheim.”

Dumoulin also spent time playing alongside Evans, 22, who was eased into the Kraken lineup while retaining his AHL postseason eligibility. He had 10 points (four goals) in 18 games with the Coachella Valley Firebirds during their just-wrapped run to the Calder Cup Finals.

“He’s a smooth skater, an excellent skater,” new Kraken coach Dan Bylsma said of Evans, whom he’s coached at the AHL level already. “He’s developed into a hard defender — maybe a little bit underrated part of his game. A great offensive guy with the puck. A great first pass, a great, intelligent jumping up into the play.

“And he’s continuing to get comfortable.”

Schultz was a right-handed shot while Dumoulin was left, which means between Montour (right) and Evans (left), the Kraken are once again carrying three lefties and three righties.