Kraken Rumors: All Signs Point To This Being Philipp Grubauer's Last Season In Seattle
All signs are pointing to this being Philipp Grubauer’s final season with the Seattle Kraken. Once signed as a franchise cornerstone following a Vezina-finalist season, the 33-year-old has seen his role diminish significantly. He lost the starting job to Joey Daccord and was even demoted to the AHL midseason to regain his form. With two years remaining on his contract at a $5.9 million AAV, Seattle is reportedly considering a buyout, which would stretch over four years and provide salary cap relief.Grubauer’s performance has steadily declined during his time in Seattle. This season, he posted a 5-15-1 record with a 3.83 goals-against average and .866 save percentage before being sent to the Coachella Valley Firebirds.Phillip Grubauer make a save challenge.Difficulty: impossible.— Anderson Hirst (@AndersHirst) March 20, 2025 Though he returned with improved numbers—posting a .925 save percentage and 2.03 goals-against average in five appearances—his inconsistency and limited starts highlight the shift in the Kraken’s goaltending plans. Daccord has cemented himself as the team's starter and is set to begin a five-year, $5 million AAV extension next season.#FreeAgentFrenzy UPDATE: #SeaKraken land G Phillip Grubauer with a six-year contract - https://t.co/lpHFF5sNr0#TSNHockey pic.twitter.com/sYJpy2VBJW— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) July 28, 2021
Coach Dan Bylsma has acknowledged Grubauer’s late-season play but indicated the club is more comfortable riding Daccord in a workhorse role. Grubauer, despite a strong outing in what may have been his last home start, appears to be on the outside looking in. With Seattle able to buy out his deal for a manageable cap penalty, a split seems increasingly likely.Photo Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images...
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