2025-26
Record: 34-37-11, 79 points, 6th in Pacific Division
Playoffs: Missed Stanley Cup Playoffs
Key Losses
F – Eeli Tolvanen (Free Agency), F – Jaden Schwartz (COL), D – Jamie Oleksiak (VAN)
Key Additions
F – Mackie Samoskevich (Trade w/ FLA)
2026-27 Preview
Needing to Prove Themselves
For the Seattle Kraken, the road back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs has been anything but smooth since their first—and only—playoff appearance in franchise history a few seasons ago. Over the past year, the Kraken have made several aggressive attempts to add star power to their roster, including pursuing high-profile players such as Artemi Panarin and Jason Robertson. However, both players ultimately declined opportunities to come to Seattle, leaving the organization still searching for that marquee addition.
With it now publicly known that two major stars turned down opportunities to join the Kraken, combined with the departures of veterans such as Jaden Schwartz and Jamie Oleksiak in free agency, questions have naturally emerged about how attractive Seattle is as a destination for NHL players. While there are many factors that go into a player’s decision, the inability to land high-profile talent has become a storyline the organization will need to overcome.
For the Kraken, the 2026-27 season could be particularly important. The team needs to establish itself as a legitimate playoff contender and demonstrate that Seattle is a place where players can come to compete for championships. Success on the ice could go a long way toward changing the perception of the franchise and making it easier to attract established stars through free agency or trades.
The Kraken have a strong market, passionate fan base, and plenty of potential, but ultimately, players want to know that they are joining a team capable of competing at the highest level. If Seattle can put together a successful season and return to the playoffs, it could provide the organization with the momentum it needs to finally attract the kind of marquee talent it has been pursuing.
Lane Lambert’s Real Test
After a difficult first season behind the bench, Lane Lambert enters the 2026-27 season facing a critical prove-it year as head coach of the Seattle Kraken. His inaugural campaign included several questionable postgame media moments involving both Lambert and the organization, adding another layer of scrutiny to an already challenging season.
With expectations rising and the Kraken looking to establish themselves as a legitimate playoff contender, Lambert will need to demonstrate that he is the right coach to lead the team forward. A strong start, improved consistency, and meaningful progress throughout the season will be essential if Lambert hopes to secure his long-term future behind the Seattle bench.
Projected Lineup
Offense
Bobby McMann — Matty Beniers — Jordan Eberle
Jared McCann — Shane Wright — Berkly Catton
Mackie Samoskevich — Chandler Stephenson — Kaapo Kakko
Ryan Winterton — Frederick Gaudreau — Jacob Melanson
Defense
Vince Dunn — Adam Larsson
Ryker Evans — Brandon Montour
Ryan Lindgren — Cale Fleury
Goalies
Joey Daccord
Philipp Grubauer