Kailer Yamamoto, the Seattle Kraken's inaugural native-born Washingtonian, is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the team opted not to extend him a contract. Alison Lukan (Seattle Kraken) and Geoff Baker (Seattle Times) reported this development, marking Yamamoto's pending transition on July 1st from a restricted free agent status.
In NHL terms, free agents can be restricted or unrestricted based on their tenure with a team. A restricted free agent's negotiating rights remain with their current team unless those rights are relinquished, allowing the player to explore opportunities across the league without restrictions.
Yamamoto, born in Spokane, holds the distinction of being the first Washington-born player for the Kraken, having honed his skills with the Spokane Chiefs during his junior hockey career. He contributed 16 points (8 goals, 8 assists) in 59 games during his debut season with the Kraken.
