Kraken officially become NHL's 32nd franchise after making final expansion payment

The Seattle Kraken have officially become the NHL's 32nd franchise after making their final expansion payment on Friday, the league announced.

"On behalf of the board of governors, I am delighted to officially welcome the Seattle Kraken to the NHL as our 32nd member club," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. "Congratulations to David Bonderman, the Bonderman family, their partners, the entire Seattle Kraken organization, the city of Seattle, and Kraken fans as the club continues on its exciting journey towards puck drop in October."

The Kraken are now permitted to start building their team through trades and signings. The franchise can also attend league meetings, vote on rule proposals and receive confidential league information.

The NHL expansion draft will reportedly take place July 21, and teams are required to submit their protected players lists July 17.

Seattle will begin its inaugural campaign in 2021-22. The Kraken become the NHL's second expansion franchise since 2017, joining the Vegas Golden Knights.