The Seattle Kraken have grown from an ambitious NHL expansion project into one of the most recognizable young franchises in professional hockey. Based in Seattle, Washington, the club combines the Pacific Northwest’s sporting culture with a distinctive maritime identity, modern arena experience, and an increasingly important group of young players. Entering the 2026–27 season, Seattle is trying to turn promising building blocks into consistent playoff success after finishing the previous campaign outside the postseason.
Unlike franchises carrying decades of history, Seattle is still creating its traditions in real time. Its story already includes an expansion draft, a memorable 100-point season, a playoff upset of the defending Stanley Cup champions, coaching changes, front-office restructuring, and an expanding prospect pipeline. That combination makes the club especially interesting heading into its next chapter.
Quick Bio
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Seattle Kraken |
| League | National Hockey League (NHL) |
| Conference | Western Conference |
| Division | Pacific Division |
| Inaugural NHL Season | 2021–22 |
| Home Arena | Climate Pledge Arena |
| Head Coach | Lane Lambert |
| General Manager | Jason Botterill |
| Captain | Jordan Eberle |
Seattle began NHL play in 2021–22 as the league’s 32nd franchise and competes in the Pacific Division. Lane Lambert currently serves as head coach, Jason Botterill leads hockey operations as general manager, and Jordan Eberle remains team captain.
How the Seattle Kraken Joined the NHL
Seattle’s road to NHL hockey became official in December 2018, when the league approved an expansion franchise for the city. The plan called for the new team to begin playing during the 2021–22 season.
The organization revealed the Seattle Kraken name in July 2020. From the beginning, the branding was designed to connect the franchise with Seattle’s relationship with water, the Pacific Northwest and maritime imagery.
Starting a professional hockey team from zero presented a very different challenge from rebuilding an established NHL club. Seattle needed players, coaches, scouts, executives, development systems and organizational infrastructure before its first regular-season puck drop.
The expansion process allowed the organization to create an NHL roster from players made available by existing teams. That first roster included veterans who could provide immediate experience while the franchise simultaneously began accumulating draft prospects.
The first season was always likely to involve adjustment. Building chemistry among players coming from different organizations takes time, particularly when virtually everyone is learning a new system and environment simultaneously.
Yet it did not take long for the franchise to produce its first major breakthrough.
The Seattle Kraken’s Breakout 2022–23 Season
The 2022–23 campaign remains the defining competitive season in the franchise’s short history.
Seattle finished that regular season with 100 points after going 46-28-8. It was a dramatic improvement over its expansion year and earned the organization its first Stanley Cup Playoffs appearance.
The achievement became even more significant during the opening playoff round.
Seattle faced the Colorado Avalanche, who entered the postseason as the defending Stanley Cup champions. Instead of simply treating its first playoff appearance as a learning experience, Seattle pushed Colorado through seven games and eliminated the Avalanche.
It was the type of series that can quickly establish credibility for a new sports franchise.
The next round produced another seven-game battle, this time against the Dallas Stars. Seattle came within one victory of reaching the Western Conference Final before Dallas won Game 7 by a 2-1 score.
Although the playoff run ended, it demonstrated something important: successful NHL hockey could gain real momentum in Seattle.
The challenge since then has been recreating that level consistently.
What Happened After the First Playoff Run?
Seattle was unable to build immediately on the 100-point campaign.
In 2023–24, the team went 34-35-13 for 81 points. The following season brought a 35-41-6 record and 76 points. Seattle again remained outside the playoffs.
Those seasons exposed one of the most difficult issues facing developing NHL clubs: having enough quality players to compete is different from creating a lineup that can generate dependable scoring, defend efficiently and win close games across an 82-game schedule.
Changes followed.
Dave Hakstol, the franchise’s original coach, was succeeded by Dan Bylsma for the 2024–25 season. Lane Lambert then took over as head coach ahead of 2025–26. NHL.com’s preseason assessment described the club as entering that season with Lambert and improved depth while targeting a return to the playoffs.
That return did not happen.
Seattle Kraken 2025–26 Season Results
Seattle finished 2025–26 with a 34-37-11 record and 79 points, ranking sixth in the Pacific Division and 13th in the Western Conference. The team scored 224 goals and allowed 257.
There were encouraging stretches.
Before the 2026 Olympic break, Seattle had gone 15-6-3 over a six-week period and remained involved in the crowded Western Conference playoff discussion.
The final portion of the schedule, however, prevented the club from converting that progress into a postseason berth.
General manager Jason Botterill expressed significant disappointment after the season and said changes were necessary. He outlined a desire to build a faster team capable of attacking, competing consistently and playing to Lambert’s standards. Botterill also indicated that Seattle would examine trades, free agency and internal player development rather than relying on only one method of improvement.
That approach has shaped the 2026 offseason.
Seattle Kraken Leadership Entering 2026–27
Jason Botterill and the Seattle Kraken Front Office
Jason Botterill now holds one of the most important roles in determining the franchise’s direction.
Ron Francis, who helped build the organization before its inaugural season and oversaw much of its early history, stepped down as president of hockey operations in April 2026. Botterill remained general manager and leader of hockey operations.
The organization then added experienced executive Patrik Allvin as vice president and assistant general manager in June 2026. Allvin’s role includes working closely with Botterill, particularly in professional scouting.
The front-office structure indicates that the organization is seeking more than short-term roster adjustments. Scouting, player evaluation, development and long-term asset management will all influence whether Seattle can create sustainable success.
Lane Lambert’s Coaching Approach
Lane Lambert remains head coach for 2026–27.
Botterill praised Lambert after the 2025–26 season for his direct approach, intensity and willingness to hold players accountable. The general manager also described Seattle’s desired style as one based on speed, attacking play and nightly competitiveness.
The coaching staff also changed during the offseason.
Pascal Vincent joined as an assistant coach in June 2026. Vincent brought extensive NHL and AHL coaching experience, while Lambert indicated that the addition could help Seattle improve offensively while maintaining defensive strength.
That balance will be important. Strong structure matters, but modern NHL contenders also need enough finishing skill to turn possession and pressure into goals.
Key Seattle Kraken Players
Jordan Eberle
Jordan Eberle remains one of the most recognizable veterans on the roster.
Seattle named Eberle the second captain in franchise history in October 2024.
He responded with an especially important 2025–26 season. According to Seattle’s official statistics, Eberle finished with 26 goals and 29 assists for a team-leading 55 points in 80 games.
In March 2026, the organization signed its captain to a two-year extension running through the 2027–28 season.
Keeping Eberle provides continuity while younger players assume larger roles.
Matty Beniers
Matty Beniers has been central to Seattle’s long-term plans since becoming the franchise’s first-ever amateur draft selection at No. 2 overall in 2021.
During 2025–26, Beniers recorded 20 goals and 30 assists for 50 points across all 82 games.
His importance extends beyond raw scoring totals. As a center entering his prime years, Beniers can help shape the identity of the team’s next competitive core.
Shane Wright
Shane Wright represents another major part of the franchise’s development strategy.
Seattle selected Wright fourth overall in the 2022 NHL Draft. His transition from elite junior prospect to established NHL player has taken time, which is hardly unusual for young centers handling responsibilities at hockey’s highest level.
The organization now lists Wright among the homegrown draft picks who have become regular members of the NHL roster.
Continued offensive growth from Wright could significantly raise Seattle’s ceiling.
Ryker Evans and the Young Defense
Ryker Evans has emerged as an important homegrown defenseman.
Selected 35th overall in 2021, Evans had already appeared in 176 games for Seattle by the lead-up to the 2026 NHL Draft.
Developing defensemen internally is particularly valuable because high-level NHL blueliners are difficult and often expensive to acquire.
Veterans such as Brandon Montour provide established quality, but young defenders succeeding alongside them could create a deeper and more flexible roster.
Seattle Kraken Offseason Changes for 2026–27
The 2026 offseason reflects Botterill’s stated intention to make meaningful changes.
One major decision involved Bobby McMann.
Seattle originally acquired McMann from Toronto during the 2025–26 season. He scored 10 goals in 18 games after joining the Kraken, following 19 goals with Toronto. Seattle subsequently kept him rather than allowing him to enter unrestricted free agency.
McMann agreed to a six-year, $34.5 million contract, carrying a $5.75 million average annual value beginning in 2026–27.
That investment demonstrates how seriously Seattle views his combination of size, speed and scoring ability.
The organization also acquired young winger Mackie Samoskevich from the Florida Panthers and subsequently completed a three-year contract with him.
Another offseason addition was 6-foot-9 forward Curtis Douglas, who signed a two-year contract. His size and physical approach add a different dimension to Seattle’s forward depth.
These moves suggest that the front office wants a lineup with more variety: scoring, speed, size, youth and physical presence rather than a roster built around only one playing style.
Seattle Kraken Prospects Could Shape the Future
Seattle’s draft system may ultimately determine whether the organization develops into a regular Stanley Cup contender.
Several early selections are already moving into important NHL roles, including Beniers, Wright, Evans and 2024 first-round pick Berkly Catton. The organization also has developing players such as Ryan Winterton, Jacob Melanson, Jani Nyman and Oscar Fisker Molgaard.
Seattle made another major investment in its future during the 2026 NHL Draft.
Seattle Kraken Select Chase Reid Seventh Overall
With the seventh overall selection, Seattle drafted defenseman Chase Reid from the Soo Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League.
Reid recorded 18 goals and 30 assists for 48 points in 45 regular-season OHL games during 2025–26. He also represented the United States at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.
The selection was historically notable because Reid became the first defenseman Seattle had chosen in the first round of an NHL Draft.
NHL scouting analysis highlighted Reid’s skating, competitiveness, transition ability and potential to develop into a top-pair defenseman.
Prospects should never automatically be treated as future stars, but adding a high-end defensive talent fills an important area of the organization’s pipeline.
Seattle followed the Reid selection by drafting physical forward Casey Mutryn with the 38th overall pick in the second round.
Climate Pledge Arena and Seattle Hockey Culture
Climate Pledge Arena is an important part of the club’s identity.
Located at Seattle Center, the venue was created through the redevelopment of the former arena site while preserving its historic roof structure. The roof had previously been designated a Seattle landmark.
The arena became the Kraken’s home when the franchise began NHL play.
Its name reflects a sustainability-focused partnership involving Amazon, Oak View Group and the hockey organization. Plans for the building emphasized environmentally responsible operations and ambitions around net-zero carbon performance.
The venue also helps connect the franchise to the larger Seattle sports environment.
Seattle already possessed strong professional sports traditions before NHL hockey arrived. Creating a successful hockey culture therefore required more than simply putting an expansion team on the ice.
The organization has invested in community programs, youth hockey and skating initiatives as part of growing the game throughout the region. Its official community programming has included youth sports access, school initiatives, skating programs and hockey education.
Over time, those efforts can matter as much as short-term standings. Young fans who learn hockey because the Kraken exist could become the foundation of the team’s support for decades.
Why the Seattle Kraken Brand Stands Out
Few NHL identities are as visually connected to their geographic surroundings as Seattle’s.
The Kraken concept naturally fits a city surrounded by water and closely associated with the Pacific Northwest. The organization’s language frequently uses ocean-inspired themes such as “The Deep,” reinforcing the connection between its name, visual identity and regional environment.
That branding alone cannot create a successful hockey franchise, but it does provide something expansion organizations desperately need: immediate recognition.
A new team has no decades-old Stanley Cup moments or generations of family traditions to rely on. Seattle instead began with a distinctive identity and has gradually added real hockey memories to it.
The 2023 playoff run was particularly important in that process.
Future generations of fans will not remember the Kraken only as “the new NHL team.” They will have specific games, players and playoff series attached to the name.
Seattle Kraken 2026–27 Outlook
The most important question entering the new season is simple: Can Seattle return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs?
There are reasons for optimism, but there are also clear challenges.
The club finished 2025–26 with 79 points, meaning improvement must be meaningful rather than cosmetic.
Management has responded by retaining McMann, adding Samoskevich, strengthening hockey operations and investing another high draft pick in the organization’s future. Seattle also continues to develop young players already reaching the NHL level.
The next step is turning those pieces into a more productive team.
Seattle will need more consistent scoring across multiple lines. Younger players such as Beniers, Wright and Catton becoming increasingly dangerous offensive contributors would reduce the dependence on veterans.
The defense must also help control games more effectively. Successful teams do not simply prevent goals; their defenders move pucks efficiently, support transition attacks and help keep opponents away from dangerous areas.
Goaltending will remain another major factor. Even well-structured NHL teams struggle when their netminders cannot provide consistent saves, while strong goaltending can transform close one-goal games into standings points.
There is also pressure on the coaching staff.
Lambert has now had a full season to establish expectations and systems. The second year should offer a better indication of whether his approach can produce sustained results with an adjusted roster.
Seattle’s 2026–27 home opener is scheduled for October 4 against the Calgary Flames at Climate Pledge Arena.
By then, the organization will move from offseason planning to the more difficult task of proving that its changes have worked.
What Success Would Look Like for the Seattle Kraken
Success does not necessarily mean Seattle must immediately become a Stanley Cup favorite.
A meaningful step forward would start with remaining firmly involved in the Western Conference playoff race throughout the season.
The organization also needs progress from its young core.
If Beniers, Wright, Catton, Evans and other developing players grow simultaneously, Seattle could move closer to having something every successful NHL organization wants: a competitive team whose best players are still approaching or entering their prime.
That scenario also gives management more flexibility.
Homegrown players performing significant roles can reduce the need to solve every roster weakness through expensive free-agent contracts. Drafting and development then become competitive advantages rather than background activities.
Seattle has already experienced how quickly circumstances can change. The jump from its difficult expansion season to a 100-point playoff campaign happened in only one year.
The goal now is to ensure that the next improvement lasts longer.
Conclusion
The Seattle Kraken are still writing the opening chapters of their NHL history, but those chapters have already included significant highs and difficult resets. The unforgettable 2022–23 playoff run showed what hockey in Seattle can become when the roster, coaching and momentum come together. Recent seasons have shown how difficult it is to maintain that standard.
Entering 2026–27, the franchise looks different from the one that first stepped onto NHL ice in 2021. Jason Botterill has greater control over hockey operations, Lane Lambert has established his coaching philosophy, Jordan Eberle provides veteran leadership, and younger players are taking larger roles. The offseason retention of Bobby McMann, acquisition of Mackie Samoskevich and drafting of Chase Reid further demonstrate an effort to improve both the immediate lineup and long-term talent pipeline.
For Seattle, the next challenge is no longer proving that an NHL franchise belongs in the city. The fan base, arena and memorable early playoff run have already helped answer that question.
The challenge now is building a team capable of returning to the postseason regularly—and eventually competing deep into spring for hockey’s biggest prize.
FAQs About the Seattle Kraken
1. When did the Seattle Kraken join the NHL?
The franchise played its first NHL season in 2021–22, becoming the league’s 32nd team. Seattle’s expansion franchise had officially been approved by the NHL in December 2018.
2. Where do the Seattle Kraken play home games?
The team plays at Climate Pledge Arena at Seattle Center in Seattle, Washington. The arena became the club’s home when NHL play began in 2021.
3. Who is the Seattle Kraken captain?
Jordan Eberle is the current captain. He was named the second captain in franchise history in October 2024 and signed an extension in March 2026 that runs through the 2027–28 season.
4. Have the Seattle Kraken made the NHL playoffs?
Yes. Seattle reached the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2022–23. The team defeated the defending champion Colorado Avalanche in seven games before losing another seven-game series to the Dallas Stars in the second round.
5. Who is the Seattle Kraken head coach in 2026?
Lane Lambert is Seattle’s head coach entering the 2026–27 season. His coaching staff includes assistants Chris Taylor, Aaron Schneekloth and Pascal Vincent, among others.
