The Daily Populous Saturday May 1st, 2021 morning edition
Authored by espn.com and submitted by AvsJoe

SEATTLE -- The Seattle Kraken are free to make trades and sign players after making their final expansion payment to the NHL.

Seattle owners paid $650 million to become the 32nd franchise. The Kraken begin play next season.

"On behalf of the board of governors, I am delighted to officially welcome the Seattle Kraken to the NHL as our 32nd member club," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said Friday. "Congratulations to David Bonderman, the Bonderman family, their partners, the entire Seattle Kraken organization, the city of Seattle and Kraken fans as the club continues on its exciting journey towards puck drop in October."

General manager Ron Francis has been able to talk to colleagues around the league, and he and his staff have been scouting and planning for the expansion draft July 21. The final payment by ownership allows him to make official transactions, such as signing college free agents.

"Today is another momentous day on the journey to puck drop," Bonderman said. "We have an incredible few months ahead of us."

rudkap on April 30th, 2021 at 18:31 UTC »

Word has it they'll amass a cult like following with flannel shirted bearded Seattleites, draft an amazing prospect that will revolutionize the game, then promptly move to OKC.

Chutzvah on April 30th, 2021 at 18:10 UTC »

So what division is Seattle gonna be in?

Craig_E_W on April 30th, 2021 at 17:33 UTC »

So you're saying that the Kraken has been released?