Seattle Kraken Add Depth on Blue Line with Alexis Bernier Signing

The Seattle Kraken have secured promising young defenseman Alexis Bernier to a three-year entry-level contract. The 19-year-old right-shot blueliner was selected in the third round, 73rd overall, of the 2024 NHL Draft. This move bolsters the organization’s prospect pipeline as the club looks to build for future contention.

The deal carries an annual average value of $1.033 million and a cap hit of $1.003 million. It begins next season and runs through the 2028-29 campaign. Bernier will report to the Kraken’s American Hockey League affiliate once his junior season concludes.

Contract Breakdown and Financial Details

The agreement follows the standard NHL entry-level structure with modest performance bonuses. Here is how the compensation breaks down across the three seasons:

• Year 1: $850,000 base salary, $100,000 signing bonus, $50,000 games-played bonus, and $82,500 in the minors
• Year 2: $900,000 base salary, $102,500 signing bonus, $22,500 games-played bonus, and $82,500 in the minors
• Year 3: $950,000 base salary, $107,500 signing bonus, $17,500 games-played bonus, and $82,500 in the minors

These terms align closely with the league’s rookie-scale guidelines for a third-round selection. The modest bonuses reflect Bernier’s status as a developmental piece rather than an immediate impact player.

Background on Alexis Bernier’s Junior Career

Bernier spent the bulk of his junior eligibility with the Chicoutimi Saguenéens of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Over four seasons he posted 106 points in 224 games while earning First All-Star Team honors in 2024-25. His production dipped last year after recovering from ACL surgery performed the previous offseason.

The injury limited him to just 21 games in 2025-26, where he recorded four goals and eight assists. Despite the shortened schedule, scouts continue to praise his strong skating, hockey sense, and ability to move the puck out of the defensive zone.

Impact on Seattle’s Defensive Prospects

The signing adds another right-handed option to a prospect group that already includes several left-shot defenders. Kraken management has prioritized building depth on the back end to support a young core that includes players like Ryker Evans and Logan Morrison.

General manager Ron Francis has emphasized patience with young talent. Bernier is expected to spend at least one full season in the AHL before challenging for an NHL roster spot. This timeline mirrors the development path taken by several recent Kraken draftees.

Next Steps for Bernier and the Kraken

Bernier will complete his junior season with Chicoutimi before transitioning to professional hockey this summer. He is eligible to participate in the Kraken’s rookie camp and main training camp in September.

Fans can track his progress through the club’s prospect reports and AHL affiliate coverage. The organization views him as a long-term asset capable of contributing on the power play and in even-strength situations once he adjusts to the pro level.