Mahura Inks Two-Year, $1.815M Deal to Stay with Kraken

Josh Mahura © Instagram / seattlekraken

The Seattle Kraken solidified their defensive depth by signing defenseman Josh Mahura to a two-year, $1.815 million contract extension on May 30, 2025, with an average annual value (AAV) of $907,500. The 27-year-old, who could have become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, brings physicality and Stanley Cup experience to a Kraken blue line aiming for a playoff return in 2025-26. “Josh was an important addition to our blue line last season,” general manager Jason Botterill said. “He plays an honest, physical game and rounded out our group of defensemen” (NHL.com, May 31, 2025).

A Reliable Depth Defender

In his first season with Seattle in 2024-25, Mahura recorded nine assists in 64 games, averaging 13:45 of ice time. His physical presence shone through with 89 hits and 54 blocked shots, complemented by a 91.7% on-ice save percentage at even strength, per Pro Hockey Rumors (May 30, 2025). As a versatile depth option capable of playing both sides, Mahura proved his value. “He’s also a great teammate,” Botterill noted, emphasizing his locker-room impact (NHL.com, May 31, 2025).

Selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the third round (No. 85) of the 2016 NHL Draft, Mahura has 54 points (10 goals, 44 assists) in 255 regular-season games across the Ducks, Florida Panthers, and Kraken. His playoff resume includes three assists in 21 Stanley Cup Playoff games, notably during Florida’s 2022-23 Final run (NHL.com, May 31, 2025).

Stanley Cup Pedigree

Mahura won the Stanley Cup with the Panthers in 2024, defeating the Edmonton Oilers in seven games. Despite playing 30 regular-season games and missing the playoff lineup due to injuries and scratches, his name was engraved on the Cup via an injury exemption, per his Wikipedia profile (updated 2018-2025). His championship experience adds veteran savvy to Seattle, which finished seventh in the Pacific Division with 76 points in 2024-25 (Yardbarker, May 31, 2025).

Mahura joined Seattle on a one-year, $775,000 deal in July 2024 after not receiving a qualifying offer from Florida and clearing waivers, debuting in their third game, per Pro Hockey Rumors (May 30, 2025). His steady play earned this extension, announced via the Kraken’s official X account and reported by NHL.com.

Kraken’s Defensive Strategy

Re-signing Mahura aligns with Seattle’s plan to bolster their defensive core. With $19.95 million in projected cap space for 2025-26, per Yardbarker, the Kraken have room to enhance their roster under new coach Lane Lambert (May 31, 2025). Mahura will vie for minutes alongside Vince Dunn, Adam Larsson, Brandon Montour (a former Panther teammate), and prospect Ryker Evans, who is slated for a top-four role (Pro Hockey Rumors, Nov. 30, 2024). As a seventh or eighth defenseman, Mahura provides competition and insurance, per Reddit discussions (r/SeattleKraken, July 4, 2024).

A Path of Perseverance

A St. Albert, Alberta native, Mahura overcame a torn MCL in 2015-16 with the Red Deer Rebels, returning for the 2016 Memorial Cup (Wikipedia, 2018-2025). His junior career peaked with a WHL championship in 2016 and 69 points in 2017-18 with the Regina Pats. After AHL stints with the San Diego Gulls, he found stability with Florida before joining Seattle, where he now aims to help the Kraken reach the postseason.

Conclusion

Josh Mahura’s two-year, $1.815 million extension ensures the Seattle Kraken retain a physical, experienced defenseman with a Stanley Cup ring. His versatility and team-first mentality bolster Seattle’s blue line as they target a playoff push in 2025-26. With the season starting October 7, Mahura’s steady presence will be key to the Kraken’s ambitions.

Source: article by nhl.com, published May 31, 2025.

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By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer