The Seattle Kraken announced that they have signed left-shot defenseman Vince Dunn to a new contract. Originally headed to arbitration with a meeting set for Monday, July 24, the Kraken and Dunn agreed to a four-year, $29.5 million deal. Dunn was a restricted free agent before agreeing to the new contract. If the arbitration meeting had taken place, the Kraken would have only been able to sign Dunn to a one-year deal.
The 2022-23 season was a career year for the 26-year-old Dunn. With 14 goals and 64 points, Dunn ranked 10th out of all NHL defensemen. Previously, Dunn’s best season point total was 35, which Dunn achieved twice in his career. Dunn also led the Kraken in assists (50), plus-minus (plus-28), and average ice time. (23:40) during the 2022-23 season. The 64 points also ranked Dunn second on the entire Kraken team. In the postseason, Dunn scored one goal and seven points.
Originally selected by Seattle in the 2021 expansion draft, Dunn had previously played four seasons for the St. Louis Blues. He is coming off a two-year contract with a $4 million cap hit. The new contract carries a $7.35 million average value. Dunn is now the highest-cap-hit player on the Kraken. The contract is all base salary with no signing bonus.
Dunn has been playing alongside Adam Larsson on the top defensive pair. With Larsson acting as a stay-at-home defenseman, Dunn has had more freedom to roam. This pairing has been a success, judging by the career year Dunn had. He’s also been quarterbacking the top power-play unit. His blossoming play turned him into an important part of the Seattle Kraken for the next four seasons.
