Seattle Kraken Offseason Preview: Youth Movement Begins

The Kraken finished sixth in the Pacific with 79 points, missing the playoffs for the second time in three seasons. They drafted seventh overall and acquired a promising young forward, but did not make major roster additions to address their goal differential or goaltending struggles. This offseason was about building for the future rather than pushing for immediate contention.

Last season in review

Seattle went 34-37-11 and was outscored 263 to 226. Jordan Eberle led the team with 55 points on 26 goals and 29 assists. Matty Beniers followed with 50 points (20 goals, 30 assists), while Chandler Stephenson added 49 points (16 goals, 33 assists). The offense was middle of the pack, but the defense and goaltending were porous. Joey Daccord finished 20-20-6 with a .897 save percentage, well below the league average. The Kraken allowed too many goals and lacked the depth scoring to compensate.

Ins and outs

• In: Mackie Samoskevich (acquired from Florida Panthers in trade, per nhl.com)
• In: Chase Reid (drafted 7th overall in 2026 NHL Draft, per soundofhockey.com)

No major free agent signings or departures have been confirmed beyond the draft and the Samoskevich trade. The front office and coaching staff were fortified with additional personnel, per nhl.com, but no head coach or general manager changes occurred. The roster picture is still taking shape as training camp approaches.

The big question

Can Joey Daccord rebound, or does Seattle need to find a new starter? A .897 save percentage is not sustainable for a playoff team. The Kraken did not add a proven veteran in net, so Daccord will get another chance. If he struggles again, the season could slip away quickly.

X-factor

Matty Beniers. The 2022 Calder Trophy winner posted 50 points in 2025-26, a step back from his rookie campaign. At 23, he is entering a critical year. If Beniers can push toward 60 or 70 points and become a true top-line center, the Kraken have a foundation to build around. If he stagnates, Seattle's offense will remain stuck in neutral.

Bold prediction

The Kraken will finish fifth in the Pacific and miss the playoffs again, but Beniers and Samoskevich will both crack 55 points, giving Seattle two young building blocks for 2027-28.

The outlook

Seattle is in transition. The Eberle-Beniers-Stephenson core is solid but not elite, and the supporting cast needs an upgrade. The addition of Samoskevich and the high draft pick suggest the front office is thinking long term. This team is not ready to compete with Edmonton, Vancouver, or Los Angeles, but if the young players develop and the goaltending improves, the Kraken could be back in the playoff mix within two years. For now, patience is required.