Seattle Kraken’s 2025-26 Report Cards: Eeli Tolvanen

Tolvanen first wrote his name on the score sheet five games into the Kraken’s season, on Oct. 18, when he recorded an assist on Vince Dunn’s goal in the second period against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Oct. 28 kicked off a three-game point streak, where he recorded an assist in three straight games. That streak was broken on Nov. 5, but on Nov. 8, he recorded his first goal of the season, as well as two assists.

From Dec. 16 to Dec. 28, Tolvanen recorded 10 points within a six-game span. The streak ended on the 28th, when he scored two goals and recorded one assist. This was the only game during the season where he recorded multiple goals. Tolvanen had a couple other three-game point streaks, one from Jan. 15 to Jan. 19 and one from March 14 to March 21.

With his 36 points for the season, Tolvanen was just under his career-high points of 41, which he recorded with the Kraken in the 2023-24 season.

Impact on the Kraken

Tolvanen was a solid fixture on the Kraken’s middle six throughout the 2025-26 season. He began the 2025-26 season as a solid fixture as the right wing on the second line. As the season progressed, he began shifting down to play on the third line alongside Jared McCann and Shane Wright. No matter what line he is on, Tolvanen was a solid right-wing fixture, not flexing to the left wing.

Tolvanen played his role well. He helped his team score while also eating up minutes on the middle six lines to get the top line rested and ready to go on the ice. He recorded his highest average total ice time in his career at 6:03.

Future in the NHL

Tolvanen hit the free agency market on July 1 and still has yet to be signed by another team. Although he has shown potential throughout his time with the Nashville Predators and more recently with the Kraken, no team has decided to pick him up yet.

There is still a chance for Tolvanen to get signed before the start of the 2026-27 season. Training camps will be starting in September, and teams will have to decide what players to keep on the opening night roster and who to send to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate teams. If there is an open forward spot on a roster, perhaps Tolvanen will get another NHL contract. There are also several European leagues that he could play in, but certainly Tolvanen will want to remain an NHL player.

Here’s to hoping that Tolvanen gets an NHL contract for the 2026-27 season.

Overall Grade

For the 2025-26 season, Tolvanen receives a C. He played his role well and did a decent job of getting on the stat sheet when the Kraken needed him to. His several point streaks were a great help.

Unfortunately, Tolvanen is still without a contract. Let’s hope he gets one before the start of the 2026-27 season.