Change Agent

Newly signed Kraken centerman Alexander Wennberg knows a little bit about what a change of scenery can do. The free agent, who signed a three-year contract with the Kraken on Wednesday, spent the first six years of his career with the Columbus Blue Jackets before moving on to the Florida Panthers for the 2020-21 season.

The result? Wennberg scored a career high in goals (17 in 56 games, a 25-game pace over a full season) and added 12 assists while retaining the strong defensive sensibilities always integral to his game. Imagine what might happen when the 26-year-old comes to Seattle?
"I had a fresh start [in Florida], I was really excited for it," Wennberg said. "The confidence right now is good, coming to a new team again, get the same feeling and excitement again. [Joining the Kraken] is going to be something to help get the extra push as well."
Wennberg said free agency moved quickly for him. He was excited about the opportunity to be part of building a brand-new team in Seattle.
When he heard the organization was interested in him and wanted him to be a big part of what the team is building, the decision to sign with the Kraken was an easy one.
As for what the player brings to his new team, the career high in goals may be the flashy stat that gets attention. It's rightly something Wennberg is proud of, but what might be most compelling about Wennberg is his ability to play a 200-foot game or playing all three zones on the ice.

That's something Kraken GM Ron Francis highlighted in his comments to media Wednesday: the importance of strong two-way players down the middle of the ice, particularly with two-time Stanley Cup winner Yanni Gourde expected to miss the start of the season. That responsibility is something Wennberg takes seriously.
"I always want to be a 200-foot player," Wennberg said. "I want to be an offensive player who can be a threat and really contribute that way. But I feel like the responsible play, (the penalty kill) and being a solid defensive guy is just as important.
"I'm coming into this team to really fill that (two-way) role and not try to be an all-offensive guy. Try to just play my game, do the best I can, hopeful everyone will enjoy it."
Wennberg has never been to Seattle, but the center knows a few players in the organization. The Swedish hockey community is a tight one. Wennberg knows fellow forward Calle Jarnkrok and played with defenseman Adam Larsson in the 2021 World Championships.
As for getting to know the city he'll now call home, there's excitement there too. The commitment of a three-year contract feels like "solid ground" for Wennberg who hopes to be in Seattle in August with his young family - fiancée Felicia is expecting the couple's first child this summer.
Dog aficionados, take note: The two have a beloved dachshund, Lexi.
"Right now, I feel like I can belong to a team for three years," Wennberg said. "It feels good to know [my child] is going to be growing up in Seattle [to start]. I really like where I'm at right now."