Seattle Kraken to be NHL’s 32nd franchise

The Seattle Kraken officially became the 32nd franchise in the North American Ice Hockey League (NHL), with its owners paying the final installment of their $ 650 million expansion fee, the court said on Friday. . “On behalf of the board, I am delighted to officially welcome the Seattle Kraken to the NHL as the 32nd club member,” said boss Gary Bettman. The team will make their league debut starting next season. The last to join the league was the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017-18 season. The Kraken is now able to recruit players and trade. As such, the NHL will organize a mini-Draft for the team on July 21, just before the Draft 2021, on July 23 and 24.