Meet the New Seattle Kraken: Curtis Douglas – Hockey Writers – Seattle Kraken

On Wednesday, July 1, the excitement of the 2026-27 NHL season really began, with the opening of free agency. Any out-of-contract player who was an unrestricted free agent had the opportunity to sign with a new team.

While the Seattle Kraken were quiet in all the commotion, they took in a new player, signing forward Curtis Douglas to a two-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $1.25 million. We’ll delve into his NHL career to get Kraken fans up to speed on who this new forward is.

Douglas’ Entry into the NHL

Douglas was drafted in the fourth round, 108th overall, by the Dallas Stars in the 2018 NHL Draft. However, he didn’t touch the NHL ice right away. Before being drafted, he played in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Barrie Colts and Windsor Spitfires. Douglas went on to play with the Spitfires in the 2018–19 and 2019–20 seasons, where he played in 128 games and recorded 113 points.

In the 2020–21 season, Douglas spent part of the season in the Alps Hockey League (AlpsHL), where he was on loan. He also played his first game in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Belleville Senators. He played a total of 11 games and recorded four points with one goal and three assists.

In the 2021-22 season, Douglas played with the Toronto Marlies. This was his first full season in the AHL, playing 67 games and recording 34 points. After his performance this season, the Toronto Maple Leafs signed him as a free agent. He was back with the Marlies, but not for long. He played just 13 games with them in the 2022-23 season before being traded to the Arizona Coyotes.

Douglas spent two and a half seasons with the Coyotes’ AHL team, the Tucson Roadrunners. He played 170 games and recorded 58 points with 23 goals and 45 assists. Just before the start of the 2025-26 season, the Utah Mammoth placed Douglas on waivers, and on Oct. 6, the Tampa Bay Lightning claimed him.

On October 9, 2025, Douglas played his first NHL game. He spent 5:09 on the ice over 11 shifts and recorded five penalty minutes. On November 12, 2025, he recorded his first NHL point, an assist on Scott Sabourin’s goal. He played a total of 29 games with the Lightning before they drafted him. On March 6, 2026, the Vancouver Canucks claimed him off waivers. He played 14 games with the Canucks and scored his first NHL goal on April 12, 2026, against the Anaheim Ducks.

Throughout the 2025-26 season, Douglas recorded 108 penalty minutes. He plays his enforcement role well and will be a great addition to a Kraken team that is lacking in this department. With the recent departure of Jamie Oleksiak on defense, Douglas’ 6-foot-9 height will be an advantage for the Kraken up front.

How does Douglas get into Seattle

Douglas has only played half a season in the NHL in 2025-26, but he still has a chance to make a big impact with the Kraken. With Jaden Schwartz signing with the Colorado Avalanche, that leaves an open roster spot for the Kraken forwards.

The spot could go to Douglas, or one of the top players on the Kraken’s American Hockey League (AHL) team, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, has a chance to finally make the Kraken’s roster full time. Jani Nyman made the 2025-26 draft but was demoted to the AHL mid-season. Jacob Melanson was also called up to the Kraken and played 36 games with the team during 2025-26. Both players made a positive impact with the team, but still needed time to train with the Firebirds to be ready for full NHL play. Melanson was a restricted free agent (RFA), but the Kraken extended a qualifying offer before the opening of free agency, retaining his rights with Seattle.

Douglas will need to have a strong performance in training camp to make the Kraken’s opening night roster. The 6-foot-9 enforcer would still make a great addition to the Firebirds or Kraken. There will be a lot of pressure riding on training camp for many players, but Douglas in particular, as he tries to prove himself to his new team.