Seattle Kraken Bolster Physical Presence by Signing Forward Curtis Douglas to Two-Year Deal

On Wednesday, July 1, the 2026-27 NHL season officially began with the start of free agency, giving all unsigned unrestricted free agents the opportunity to join new teams.

While the Seattle Kraken remained relatively quiet during the initial flurry of signings, they added forward Curtis Douglas, securing his services on a two-year contract with an average annual value of $1.25 million. Here’s a closer look at Douglas’s journey and what his addition means for Seattle.

Douglas’ Entry Into the NHL

Douglas entered the NHL ranks as the 108th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2018 NHL Draft by the Dallas Stars. Prior to being drafted, he developed his game in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Barrie Colts and Windsor Spitfires. Over 128 games with the Spitfires from 2018-19 to 2019-20, he accumulated 113 points.

During the 2020-21 season, Douglas ventured to the Alps Hockey League (AlpsHL) on loan while also getting his first taste of professional hockey in North America with the Belleville Senators of the AHL. He skated in 11 games, recording four points (1 goal, 3 assists).

In 2021-22, Douglas completed his first full AHL season with the Toronto Marlies, posting 34 points in 67 games. His performances earned him a two-way contract extension with the Maple Leafs organization. After appearing in 13 games for the Marlies in 2022-23, he was dealt to the Arizona Coyotes organization.

Douglas spent the next two and a half seasons with the Coyotes’ AHL affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners, logging 170 games and 58 points (23 goals, 45 assists). Ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, the Utah Mammoth placed him on waivers, and the Tampa Bay Lightning acquired his rights, where he made his NHL debut on October 9, 2025. In 29 games with Tampa Bay, he recorded five penalty minutes and tallied his first NHL point, an assist, on November 12, 2025.

On March 6, 2026, Douglas was claimed off waivers by the Vancouver Canucks. He appeared in 14 games for Vancouver, including scoring his first NHL goal on April 12, 2026, against the Anaheim Ducks. Across the 2025-26 season, he accumulated 108 penalty minutes, establishing himself as a reliable enforcer.

Douglas’s physical presence and grit make him a valuable addition to a Kraken squad that has lacked depth in the enforcer role, particularly following the recent departure of defenseman Jamie Oleksiak. Standing 6-foot-9, Douglas offers not only intimidation but also a unique front-line presence that can protect teammates and shift momentum.

How Douglas Fits in Seattle

Though Douglas only logged 43 NHL games across Tampa Bay and Vancouver in 2025-26, his signing represents a strategic move by the Kraken to strengthen their depth and physicality up front. With veteran forward Jaden Schwartz departing in free agency, a roster spot is open, and Douglas is well-positioned to compete for a regular role out of camp.

Seattle’s AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, has seen several players recently earn call-ups, including Jani Nyman and Jacob Melanson. While both made significant contributions in 2025-26, the Kraken will likely lean on proven depth from the Firebirds organization again. However, Douglas’s size, experience, and proven willingness to engage in an enforcer role could differentiate him enough to secure a full-time NHL spot.

Training camp will be a critical showcase for Douglas. He’ll need to demonstrate his value not just in physical play but in contributing to special teams and maintaining consistency in his decision-making. If he can do that, he has a real opportunity to become a fan-favorite presence and a key piece in Seattle’s forward corps heading into the 2026-27 season.

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