On June 3, 2025, reports emerged that Seattle Kraken goalie Chris Dreiger has retired from the NHL and is considering a move to the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) with Traktor Chelyabinsk. This could be a bold fresh start for the seasoned goalie who has seen limited ice time over the past two years due to injuries and trades. No official confirmations from Dreiger have been made yet.
The KHL, established in 2008, is Europe’s premier hockey league and ranks just behind the NHL globally. It features teams from Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and China.
In March 2025, Dreiger was traded from the Florida Panthers to the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for goaltender Kaapo. Originally drafted fourth overall by the Seattle Kraken in 2021, Dreiger signed a three-year, $10.5 million contract but was demoted to backup after the arrival of Philip Grubauer.
The 31-year-old from Winnipeg started his NHL journey with the Ottawa Senators in 2014 and secured a two-year extension with the Panthers in 2019. During the 2024-25 season, he played 20 games for the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers, recording a 10-6-4 record, a 2.97 GAA, and a .878 save percentage.
Dreiger’s playtime was limited following an ACL injury sustained at the 2022 World Men’s Championship. He only appeared in two games for Seattle in the 2023-24 season, posting a 1-1-0 record with a 2.51 GAA and .917 save percentage. After nine months of rehab, he played with the Kraken’s AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.
Meanwhile, Dreiger’s former team, the Florida Panthers, are set to face the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on June 4.
Additional news includes the Seattle Kraken signing goalie Joey Duckcord to a five-year extension worth $5 million annually, and Ben Meyers securing a one-year, one-way contract extension worth $775,000 for the 2025-26 season, as announced by GM Jason Botteril.
Fan Take: Chris Dreiger’s potential leap to the KHL highlights the growing appeal of international leagues for NHL veterans seeking new opportunities. This move could pave the way for increased player movement globally, enriching the competitive dynamics of professional hockey worldwide.
