The Seattle Kraken have signed forward Max McCormick, goaltender Ales Stezka, and forward Luke Henman to two-way contracts for the upcoming season.
McCormick, who served as captain of the Coachella Valley Firebirds, has secured another year with the team under a new deal. His NHL contract is valued at $775,000, while his AHL contract will pay him $470,000. Last season, the 32-year-old led the Firebirds in goals with 32 and was second in points with 60 over 68 games.
Stezka, the Czech goaltender, will earn $775,000 in the NHL and $300,000 in the AHL next season. He posted a .914 save percentage and a 2.48 goals-against average in 27 games with the Firebirds last year, although he did not play in the playoffs. With Chris Driedger likely departing, Stezka is expected to take on a more significant role with the team in the upcoming 2024-25 season.
Luke Henman, 24 years old and the Kraken's inaugural player, appeared in 45 games for the Firebirds this past season, tallying seven goals and 14 points. As a 2018 fourth-round draft pick, Henman has yet to make his NHL debut. His NHL contract with the Kraken will pay him $775,000, while his AHL earnings will be $75,000.
These signings reflect the Firebirds' commitment to retaining key players who contributed significantly to their recent success, including two consecutive appearances in the Calder Cup Finals.
