A New Year, A New Kraken

The Seattle Kraken is one of the NHL’s newest franchises, and they have been around for three seasons so far. They have already had a significant impact on the league, including a Winter Classic (popular outdoor hockey game) win in Seattle just last year. However, the Kraken start this season with a lineup of new faces and new goals. So far, the Kraken already made history when star left winger Jared McCann scored his 100th goal with the Kraken against the Colorado Avalanche on October 22, 2024.

First, they have signed a couple of new players, including Brandon Montour, a talented two-way defenseman, and Chandler Stephenson, a center with a craving for goals. Some others are Josh Mahura, a defenseman with a great future, and the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, Berkeley Catton, who is a skilled center who played nearby with the Spokane Chiefs (a team in the lower division hockey league named the WHL). These players will bring experience and offensive opportunities, which the Kraken greatly needed last year. 

Now, let’s mention one player that the Kraken lost this season. The Kraken sent defenseman Brian Dumoulin to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a 4th-round pick in the 2026 draft.  

Another key highlight of the new Kraken season is new leadership. The Kraken have signed renowned head coach Dan Bylsma, as well as assistant coaches Jessica Campbell (the first woman behind the bench as a coach in the NHL) and Bob Woods. 

The Kraken has also introduced their leaders on the ice, including alternate captain Yanni Gourde, who is a quick and feisty center; alternate captain Jaden Schwartz, who plays left wing and brings his veteran experience; alternate captain Matty Beniers, who was the Kraken’s first player drafted and a skilled center, and alternate captain Adam Larsson, who is an extremely level-headed defenseman and talented playmaker who is not afraid to make some hard checks! The Kraken also appointed their second captain in the franchise’s history, right wing Jordan Eberle, who has played 14 seasons and more than 1,000 games in the NHL. 

Finally, let us talk about what to expect of the Kraken this season. They played their first game right here in Seattle against the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday, October 8th, but ultimately lost after an intense game 3-2. However, they bounced back to beat the Minnesota Wild the next day, 5-4, in overtime. I think that the Kraken will have a better season than last year and will maybe make the playoffs and win!