Seattle Kraken Make Definitive Statement On Rebuild After Rough Season
The Seattle Kraken are preparing for a big offseason following a disappointing 2024–25 campaign that saw them fall well short of playoff contention. Despite the setback, Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke made it clear that the organization isn’t pressing the reset button. “I don’t think this is a rebuild,” he said, expressing continued confidence in general manager Ron Francis. The team is projected to have over $20 million in cap space and holds a top-five draft pick, giving them both the flexibility and assets to reshape the roster without tearing it down. With multiple picks in the next three drafts, the Kraken are in a good spot to pursue scorers and bolster their lineup through trades.Joey Daccord stopped 24 shots last night to pick up the shutout! @SeattleKraken | #SeaKraken pic.twitter.com/Guphxz5G5M— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) April 3, 2025
Seattle’s issues this season were wide-ranging. They improved their offensive output from last year, averaging 2.97 goals per game, but also regressed defensively, allowing 3.23 goals per contest. Their special teams struggled, finishing in the bottom third of the league, and inconsistent goaltending further complicated matters. Joey Daccord performed admirably but appears overworked now at season’s end, while Philipp Grubauer has had another disappointing year. Free-agent signings like Brandon Montour and Chandler Stephenson performed to expectations but weren’t enough to push the team forward. As Carter Hutton noted, “They just don’t really have anyone who is that superstar,” which makes competing in today’s NHL a tall task.Brandon Montour scores the fastest goal to begin overtime in NHL history (4 seconds) pic.twitter.com/M9BGxAe4X6— Emerald City Hockey (@EmeraldCityHky) March 13, 2025
Despite the frustrations, the front office showed a measured approach at the trade deadline, shipping out veterans like Yanni Gourde and Brandon Tanev for solid returns and bringing in promising fits such as Kaapo Kakko and Mikey Eyssimont. The emergence of players like Eeli Tolvanen and a full rookie season from Shane Wright offered reasons for optimism. Head coach Dan Bylsma's status remains uncertain, especially after a midseason stretch that saw the Kraken lose 11 of 15 games, effectively ending their playoff hopes. However, the recent stretch of stronger play has the team believing a turnaround is possible. With cap flexibility, trade chips, and no pressure to rebuild, the Kraken are expected to be aggressive this summer in trying to “really do it right this time.”Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images...
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