Former Capitals D-Man Kempny On Waivers To Terminate Deal With Kraken

After signing with the Seattle Kraken following his lengthy tenure with the Washington Capitals organization, defenseman Michal Kempny will become a free agent once again, pending waivers.

The Kraken placed Kempny on unconditional waivers on Thursday for the purpose of terminating his contract. His deal was a one-year, one-way deal that paid $750,000. There, he joined fellow blueliner Justin Schultz and also reunited with former teammate Andre Burakovsky.

He did not play a regular-season game for Seattle and went on waivers on Monday, clearing and heading to the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds. He has one goal through two games with the Firebirds.

If Kempny clears, then he and the Kraken can mutually part ways and terminate the deal. This would allow him to sign elsewhere and likely in Europe.

The Czech blueliner has seen his fair share of adversity, all starting with a torn hamstring he suffered in 2018-19. Up until that point, he had been a steady top-4 blueliner for Washington. However, when he came back, he wasn’t able to recapture his timing, speed or consistency that had helped the Capitals capture the Stanley Cup in 2018.

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Over the course of his time in D.C., Kempny suffered three significant left leg injuries. As he struggled to get back to full strength, he split his final year with the Capitals between the big club and minor-league affiliate Hershey Bears. In four seasons with Washington, he picked up 12 goals and 36 assists for 48 points in 166 games, while also registering 262 blocks, 174 hits and a +/- of 41.

It is unclear where he will head next. However, it is tough for the 32-year-old, who appeared to be hitting his stride and finding his identity as an NHL regular with the Capitals until bad breaks led to what may be the end of his NHL career.

In 262 career NHL games, Kempny has 15 goals and 48 assists and is a plus-55.