Kraken Re-sign Eeli Tolvanen: 2-Year Deal

During the Seattle Kraken's development camp at the Kraken Community Iceplex on Friday, general manager Ron Francis announced that forward Eeli Tolvanen has been re-signed to a two-year contract worth $3.475 million AAV through the 2025-26 season.

The announcement came in front of a crowd viewing a prospect scrimmage, drawing a favorable response.

Tolvanen just completed the final year of a three-year contract originally signed with the Nashville Predators in August 2021, which had an AAV of $1.45 million.

Tolvanen joined the Kraken in December of the 2022-23 season after being claimed off waivers. The Vihti, Finland native spent the first five-plus seasons with the Predators, who drafted him 30th overall in the 2017 NHL Draft. However, Tolvanen didn't meet the franchise's expectations, only hitting the 20-goal mark during the COVID-shortened 2019-20 season.

After being picked up by Seattle, Tolvanen's game elevated. He scored 27 points in the final 48 games and added eight points in 14 postseason games as the Kraken advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

In 2023-24, while the team did not have the best season, Tolvanen had one of his better NHL campaigns. In 81 games, the 25-year-old notched 16 goals and 25 assists for a career-high 41 points. His quick shot and dynamic hands make him an exceptional offensive weapon, someone Francis feels the team needs to keep around for a couple of seasons.

In 264 NHL games, Tolvanen has scored 57 goals and 62 assists, including nine points in 21 playoff appearances.

Tolvanen has also represented his country on multiple occasions. He played for Team Finland at the IIHF World Junior Championships three times, winning gold in 2019. Tolvanen also won gold with the Finns at the 2016 IIHF Men's Under-18 World Championship.