Seattle Kraken Season Recap and Preview
Last season, the Seattle Kraken exceeded expectations with their impressive performance on the ice. They made a deep playoff run, reaching the second round after eliminating the favored Colorado Avalanche. However, some believe this success was merely a fluke. Despite finishing with 100 points, their home record was below average. Their success on the road played a crucial role, winning 26 out of 41 away games. Offensively, the Kraken scored an impressive 289 goals, the second-highest in the Pacific Division. However, their penalty kill was a weak point, only stopping 76.7% of their opponents’ power plays while capitalizing on less than 20% of their own power play opportunities.
Jared McCann led the team in points with 70, scoring 40 goals and providing 30 assists. Defenseman Vince Dunn contributed 64 points and led the team with a +28 plus-minus rating and 50 assists. Jordan Eberle was the only other player to notch over 60 points, finishing the season with 63.
Looking ahead to the 2023-24 season, let’s analyze the key additions, losses, and potential X-factors for the Seattle Kraken:
Key Additions/Losses
In the offseason, Seattle did not make any significant trades but focused on bolstering their roster through free agency. They acquired Kailer Yamamoto, who previously played for the Red Wings and posted 25 points in 58 games last season. Additionally, they added defenseman Brian Dumoulin, who enjoyed a career-high 25 points with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Veteran forward Pierre-Edouard Bellemare (13 points, TBL) joined the team as well.
On the other hand, forwards Ryan Donato and Morgan Geekie, who combined for 55 points last season, departed the team. The loss of Daniel Sprong, who registered 46 points in 66 games, is particularly significant as he joined the improved Detroit Red Wings. Goaltender Martin Jones, who appeared in 48 games, also left to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
X-Factors
Matty Beniers- Beniers is a key player for the Kraken’s future success, and the team will rely on his continuous improvement this season. If he can break out and contribute significantly, Seattle could remain a competitive force.
Goalie Outlook
Philipp Grubauer is set to be the starting goaltender for Seattle this season. Last season, he posted a 17-14-4 record with a 2.85 goals against average and a .896 save percentage. While he performed well in the playoffs, it remains to be seen if he can maintain that level of success throughout the entire regular season.
Grade: C+
Key Schedule Stretch
October 10th- October 30th- The opening month of the season will be challenging for Seattle, as they have a significant number of road games. They begin with a three-game road trip against the Vegas Golden Knights, Nashville Predators, and St. Louis Blues before returning home for a tough three-game stand against the Colorado Avalanche, New York Rangers, and Carolina Hurricanes. Afterward, they hit the road again for four games, including matchups against the Detroit Red Wings, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, and Tampa Bay Lightning. A slow start could be on the horizon for Seattle.
Notable Odds
- Stanley Cup Champions – +3500
- Conference Winner – +1700
- Division Winner – +1100
- To Make the Playoffs- Yes- -130
Prediction
I don’t expect the Kraken to replicate their success from last season. I believe the Calgary Flames will finish ahead of them in the division, but Seattle should still be in contention for a wild card spot. The departures of Jones and Sprong, along with the absence of Geekie and Donato, will likely hinder their performance. They may need to make additions before the trade deadline to stay competitive in the playoffs race. Overall, I anticipate a regression for the Kraken, with their point total barely surpassing 90 this season.
Under 94.5 Team Total Points
Stanley Cup 2023/24 Odds
Outright
Carolina Hurricanes +900
Toronto Maple Leafs +1000
Colorado Avalanche +900
Edmonton Oilers +900
New Jersey Devils +900
Vegas Golden Knights +1200
Boston Bruins +1500
Dallas Stars +1400
New York Rangers +1400
Florida Panthers +1600
Los Angeles Kings +2000
Tampa Bay Lightning +2000
Minnesota Wild +3300
Buffalo Sabres +3300
Calgary Flames +3300
Pittsburgh Penguins +2800
Seattle Kraken +2800
Ottawa Senators +4000
New York Islanders +5000
Vancouver Canucks +5000
Detroit Red Wings +6600
Nashville Predators +6600
St. Louis Blues +5000
Washington Capitals +8000
Winnipeg Jets +5000
Chicago Blackhawks +15000
Columbus Blue Jackets +10000
Anaheim Ducks +15000
Philadelphia Flyers +15000
Arizona Coyotes +25000
Montreal Canadiens +25000
San Jose Sharks +25000
Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
