While Kraken prospect Carson Rehkopf is certainly disappointed that his OHL playoffs came to an end, there was some good news for him. The Kraken announced today (Twitter link) that they’ve signed the forward to a three-year, entry-level contract. The deal will carry an AAV of $950K; CapFriendly reports (Twitter link) that the deal breaks down as follows:
2024-25: $775K salary, $95K signing bonus, $80K ’B’ performance bonuses
2025-26: $855K salary, $95K signing bonus
2026-27: $855K salary, $95K signing bonus
The 19-year-old was a second-round pick by Seattle back in 2023, going 50th overall. Early indications are that the Kraken got good value with that selection. Rehkopf finished second in the OHL in goals this season, posting 52 in just 60 games with Kitchener while chipping in with 43 assists. He also was productive in the playoffs, notching six goals and five helpers in 10 contests before being swept in the second round by London.
As a result of his elimination in junior, the Kraken can assign Rehkopf to AHL Coachella Valley if they so desire to keep him skating during the Firebirds’ postseason. However, that will not be an option for him for the start of the 2024-25 campaign; he’ll either have to stick with Seattle or return to junior. If the latter happens and he plays in fewer than 10 NHL games, his contract will slide and not start until 2025-26.
While they finalize their plans for Rehkopf, they have elected to send another OHL prospect to the Firebirds. CapFriendly reported on Saturday (Twitter link) that the Kraken re-assigned forward David Goyette to Coachella Valley. The 20-year-old center led the OHL in points this season, tallying 40 goals and 77 assists with Sudbury before adding five goals and five assists in ten playoff contests prior to their elimination at the hands of North Bay in the second round. It’s the second straight year that Goyette has been loaned after the OHL postseason so he’ll get a chance to get some more experience before playing at that level full-time next season.