Seattle Poaches Adam Larsson From Oilers

The Seattle Kraken formed its inaugural lineup on Wednesday evening. The team selected players from 30 of the current 31 NHL teams to do so. Their selection from the Edmonton Oilers was pending UFA defender Adam Larsson. In doing so, they also announced a four-year extension worth an AAV of $4 million.

This represents a shocking loss for the Oilers. It was long expected that Larsson would re-sign with Edmonton and this leaves a huge hole in Edmonton’s lineup. It prompts a response from GM Ken Holland who will have to add a second-pairing RD to his ever-growing shopping list this summer.

TSN’s Darren Dreger reported earlier today that the team is expected to intensify conversations with Tyson Barrie on an extension. Barrie led all NHL defenders in points last season but struggled mightily in his own zone. Common sense would dictate that replacing a defensive stalwart with a defensive liability would be a poor decision, but that is where we currently stand.

Some other possible replacements on the UFA market could be Ryan Murray and David Savard. If Edmonton didn’t mind shelling out some money, Dougie Hamilton could be another option.

Some other notable names that were taken in Wednesday’s expansion draft included:

• Jordan Eberle from the New York Islanders
• Mark Giordano from the Calgary Flames
• Yanni Gourde from the Tampa Bay Lightning
• Vince Dunn from the St. Louis Blues

Oiler fans will get their first look at the Seattle Kraken in late September when the Kraken visit Rogers for some preseason action on the 28th.