Kraken 2025-26 Offseason (different but the same??)

[Fistfullofbeer]

Wasn’t sure if they’d bring him back or let him walk.

So barring any unexpected moves, it’s the same group as last season with a question mark for the #7/AHL spot. Maybe re-sign Fleury, maybe they anticipate Ottavainen being that guy in 25-26, maybe they add one in UFA?

I figured they would try to get him back. Good deal for both sides.

 

[Dead Coyote]

Wasn’t sure if they’d bring him back or let him walk.

So barring any unexpected moves, it’s the same group as last season with a question mark for the #7/AHL spot. Maybe re-sign Fleury, maybe they anticipate Ottavainen being that guy in 25-26, maybe they add one in UFA?

We have 20m in cap space-ish and I think we aren't done at all based on the comments from management.

It would be great if we could do some offersheets with that money with someone like Knies or Peterka or Byram or Rossi or anyone really...but I would also accept Ehlers or Marner begrudgingly. Hopefully Ehlers more than Marner because we need another center bad.

JT would be great to get and I wouldn't mind overpaying him a bit on a downgrade to his contract at 7 or 8m. Maybe 9 short term with bonuses. Would be a great locker room guy and help our offense a lot, hopefully also be a mentor for our guys.

Donato is someone I'd probably also take a look at as long as we don't overpay him long term. Another center who probably won't get a huge deal and is floating under the radar a bit.

Pius Suter would be a great signing. He plays well defensively and will probably be relatively cheap like Donato.

I could maybe see Granlund.

I don't want us to go all in but we could technically afford Ehlers and possibly Marner/Bennett. I don't think that would be a good idea. Ideally we could offersheet or trade for Rossi, and Peterka would be a dream that I doubt happens. Byram or Samuelsson are potential trade bait too given what we've heard in Buffalo.

I think ideally we get at most two centers from UFA and hope that Wright progresses further or move him to the wing and that Beniers finds some chemistry. I don't particularly want to spend more than 9m on someone though and I doubt any of the top FA except possibly Tavares go for that.

I just imagine that somebody will be signed no matter how much we hate it. Donato and Suter would be the best options that won't break the bank and are somewhat signable long term.

 

[Fuhrious]

Forgot Evans was a RFA. Suspect his meh 2nd half deflates his return, hope he can get back to what he looked like early in the season.

 

[kihei]

I don't like the guy but Sam Bennett would bring an edginess we completely lack.

 

[Fistfullofbeer]

I don't like the guy but Sam Bennett would bring an edginess we completely lack.

Unfortunately, he is going to get a massive payday and I feel like going for him will turn into a mistake real quick for us. We should stay away.

The guy I am curious about is J.J Peterka. I don't get why the Sabres are looking to move him but that is a trade we should try to be all over.

 

[The Marquis]

Bennett would be great, but he’ll fetch more than I’d be willing to pay. That said, I’m ok with a slight overpay for a player of a caliber we don’t currently have. I think it’s worth the risk since we just don’t have that level of player at all.

 

[gstommylee]

Just to note,

Tomorrow is the deadline for seattle to sign Kaden Hammel before our rights to him expire and he becomes a UFA. We can still sign him after tomorrow or CV could sign him themselves but he's free to sign with any team he wants.

​

 

[Fistfullofbeer]

Didn't think of this on my own but noticed a comment on the main boards that made me think. Would Marner's familiarity with Lambert in Toronto play any kind of role in his coming here? I doubt it does, but small things like this can make a big difference if you are leaving a team you have played for since being drafted.

 

[The Marquis]

Didn't think of this on my own but noticed a comment on the main boards that made me think. Would Marner's familiarity with Lambert in Toronto play any kind of role in his coming here? I doubt it does, but small things like this can make a big difference if you are leaving a team you have played for since being drafted.

Maybe, but I don’t think it matters. I feel 100% confident that Marner won’t even consider Seattle unless he’s getting Max and 7 years and nobody else will come close. I hope that isn’t happening.

 

[gstommylee]

Maybe, but I don’t think it matters. I feel 100% confident that Marner won’t even consider Seattle unless he’s getting Max and 7 years and nobody else will come close. I hope that isn’t happening.

No way any team is gonna give Marner 19m.

 

[The Marquis]

No way any team is gonna give Marner 19m.

I know. That’s my point to say that he’s not coming to Seattle. There’s just no way.

 

[gstommylee]

I know. That’s my point to say that he’s not coming to Seattle. There’s just no way.

Sometimes its not always about who pays the most money there are other factors. For example, first Seattle is a non state income tax and is the only team of the non income tax states teams that can afford him with out moving contracts. (he gets to keep more of his pay check than other teams so he might take a lower raise cause of paying less taxes) (mikko took a lower raise with dallas cause texas is a non income tax state for example) 2nd the media here doesn't really give a rip about hockey (they don't get the media attention that mariners seahawks or huskies get and the critizism) where as other market media tend to pay attention more to the teams.

 

[RainyCityHockey]

Unfortunately, he is going to get a massive payday and I feel like going for him will turn into a mistake real quick for us. We should stay away.

The guy I am curious about is J.J Peterka. I don't get why the Sabres are looking to move him but that is a trade we should try to be all over.

Yeah, Bennett, to me, screams like a contract that will look bad as soon as it's signed.

The guy had one 50 point season for his whole career and no matter how well he does i the playoffs, you first have to get there.

Also, Why T'F would be go for yet another center?

BTW: I don't get the Peterka thing either but it seems like the player isn't that interested in re-signing.
If there's anything t it Iwould hope Botterill's working the phone trying to make something happen.
I wouldn't mind trading his righrs or doing a sing and trade if that's what is needed.

Bennett would be great, but he’ll fetch more than I’d be willing to pay. That said, I’m ok with a slight overpay for a player of a caliber we don’t currently have. I think it’s worth the risk since we just don’t have that level of player at all.

Why would Bennett be great?
Like I've mentioned above, the guy has had one 50 point season in his whole career.

The Kraken also have Beniers, Wright, Stephenson on the team already with guys like Catton, Fisker Molgaard etc. waiting for their chance as well.

Bennett makes no sense at all for us, IMO, and the contract he'll receive will most likely be a pretty big overpayment. 'And all of that because he seems to be good in the playoffs, while not helping you too much to get there.

 

[The Marquis]

Quoting isn’t working for me at the moment.

As for Bennet, he’s a lot tougher than any player we have. He doesn’t score, sure, but he does the rest right, but I wouldn’t touch him myself. I don’t think there’s a single free agent out there worth what they’ll get paid.

 

[Kevinsane]

Quoting isn’t working for me at the moment.

As for Bennet, he’s a lot tougher than any player we have. He doesn’t score, sure, but he does the rest right, but I wouldn’t touch him myself. I don’t think there’s a single free agent out there worth what they’ll get paid.

And that’s it right there in your last sentence. It would be nice to see a player on the Kraken roster that other teams are afraid to play against, but not at July 1st prices.

 

[RainyCityHockey]

Quoting isn’t working for me at the moment.

As for Bennet, he’s a lot tougher than any player we have. He doesn’t score, sure, but he does the rest right, but I wouldn’t touch him myself. I don’t think there’s a single free agent out there worth what they’ll get paid.

Makes sense.

I just have a feeling that if he does leave Florida(I think he wants to stay) he's going to get way too much money.

Overall I think the Kraken should look for trades, in order to improve the roster, and not go big in free agency like they did last offseason.

 

[razor ray]

 

[gstommylee]

 

[Fistfullofbeer]

So I asked Perplexity AI what the Kraken should do to address some concerns. I was kind of surprised by the detailed answer to be honest.

------
Given the Seattle Kraken’s roster and performance as of June 2025, several key concerns need addressing to improve both short-term competitiveness and long-term sustainability. Here’s a strategic approach based on the current situation:

## Key Concerns

- **Defensive Struggles:** The defense took a significant step back this season. Vince Dunn was expected to be a top-pair defenseman but became turnover-prone, while veterans like Adam Larsson and Jamie Oleksiak lost a step. Ryker Evans is promising but still developing[3].
- **Goaltending Depth:** Joey Daccord performed well, but backup Philipp Grubauer struggled, and there’s concern about blocking prospects like Niklas Kokko or Victor Ostman from getting NHL experience[2][3].
- **Forward Depth and Youth:** While the Kraken have a solid young core (Beniers, Kakko, Evans, Wright), the lack of a true elite first line is notable. The team also lacks high-end forward prospects who can make an immediate impact[3][5].
- **Veteran Logjam:** Several veterans are approaching the end of their contracts or are over 30, potentially blocking younger players from getting more ice time[2][4].
- **Prospect Pool Imbalance:** The Kraken have a strong forward prospect pool but are thin on top-end defensive and goaltending prospects[5].

## Recommended Actions

**1. Trade Veteran Players to Make Room for Youth**
- **Targets:** Jared McCann, Jaden Schwartz, and Jamie Oleksiak are prime candidates for trades. McCann is valuable and could fetch a strong return; Schwartz is entering the final year of his deal; Oleksiak brings size and penalty-killing but is replaceable[4].
- **Rationale:** Moving these veterans would open up roster spots and minutes for younger players and prospects, while also acquiring draft picks or prospects to address organizational needs[2][4].

**2. Address Goaltending**
- **Option A:** Buy out or trade Grubauer to clear cap space and roster space for younger goalies like Kokko or Ostman to get NHL experience[2][3].
- **Option B:** If Grubauer is kept, ensure he is used sparingly to not block the development of prospects, but the consensus is that moving on is preferable[2][3].

**3. Reinforce the Defense**
- **Draft Strategy:** With the eighth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, prioritize drafting a high-end defenseman to address the lack of top-end defensive prospects[5].
- **Free Agency or Trade:** Target a mobile, defensively responsible partner for Brandon Montour, who can cover for his offensive aggressiveness[3].

**4. Build Around the Young Core**
- **Develop Young Talent:** Continue to give significant minutes to Beniers, Kakko, Evans, and Wright. Their development is crucial for the team’s long-term success[2][6].
- **Monitor Prospect Integration:** Bring in promising forwards like Berkley Catton when they are ready, and don’t rush them, but ensure there’s a clear path for them to contribute[5].

**5. Special Teams and Coaching Adjustments**
- **Special Teams:** Address the regression in both power play and penalty kill by either adjusting coaching strategies or bringing in new personnel with proven special teams expertise[3].
- **Coaching:** Consider whether the current coaching staff is maximizing the roster’s potential, especially given noted issues with consistency and defensive coverage[3].

## Summary Table

| Concern | Action Steps |
|------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Defense | Draft/trade for a top-pair D; develop Evans; find partner for Montour |
| Goaltending | Move Grubauer; promote Kokko/Ostman; keep Daccord as starter |
| Forward Youth/Depth | Trade veterans (McCann, Schwartz, Oleksiak); integrate prospects (Catton) |
| Prospect Pool Imbalance| Draft defensemen/goalies; leverage surplus forwards in trades |
| Special Teams/Coaching | Adjust coaching strategies; bring in special teams expertise |

## Conclusion

The Kraken are at a crossroads: they have a promising young core and a strong prospect pool, but need to address defensive and goaltending deficiencies, clear out veteran logjams, and make smart draft choices. By prioritizing youth, targeting defensive upgrades, and making tough decisions on veterans, Seattle can position itself for sustainable success in the coming years[2][3][5].

 

[Fuhrious]

The internet still seems to indicate Woods is on staff? I guess I thought he was let go with Bylsma, is that not the case?

 

[Kevinsane]

So I asked Perplexity AI what the Kraken should do to address some concerns. I was kind of surprised by the detailed answer to be honest.

------
Given the Seattle Kraken’s roster and performance as of June 2025, several key concerns need addressing to improve both short-term competitiveness and long-term sustainability. Here’s a strategic approach based on the current situation:

## Key Concerns

- **Defensive Struggles:** The defense took a significant step back this season. Vince Dunn was expected to be a top-pair defenseman but became turnover-prone, while veterans like Adam Larsson and Jamie Oleksiak lost a step. Ryker Evans is promising but still developing[3].
- **Goaltending Depth:** Joey Daccord performed well, but backup Philipp Grubauer struggled, and there’s concern about blocking prospects like Niklas Kokko or Victor Ostman from getting NHL experience[2][3].
- **Forward Depth and Youth:** While the Kraken have a solid young core (Beniers, Kakko, Evans, Wright), the lack of a true elite first line is notable. The team also lacks high-end forward prospects who can make an immediate impact[3][5].
- **Veteran Logjam:** Several veterans are approaching the end of their contracts or are over 30, potentially blocking younger players from getting more ice time[2][4].
- **Prospect Pool Imbalance:** The Kraken have a strong forward prospect pool but are thin on top-end defensive and goaltending prospects[5].

## Recommended Actions

**1. Trade Veteran Players to Make Room for Youth**
- **Targets:** Jared McCann, Jaden Schwartz, and Jamie Oleksiak are prime candidates for trades. McCann is valuable and could fetch a strong return; Schwartz is entering the final year of his deal; Oleksiak brings size and penalty-killing but is replaceable[4].
- **Rationale:** Moving these veterans would open up roster spots and minutes for younger players and prospects, while also acquiring draft picks or prospects to address organizational needs[2][4].

**2. Address Goaltending**
- **Option A:** Buy out or trade Grubauer to clear cap space and roster space for younger goalies like Kokko or Ostman to get NHL experience[2][3].
- **Option B:** If Grubauer is kept, ensure he is used sparingly to not block the development of prospects, but the consensus is that moving on is preferable[2][3].

**3. Reinforce the Defense**
- **Draft Strategy:** With the eighth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, prioritize drafting a high-end defenseman to address the lack of top-end defensive prospects[5].
- **Free Agency or Trade:** Target a mobile, defensively responsible partner for Brandon Montour, who can cover for his offensive aggressiveness[3].

**4. Build Around the Young Core**
- **Develop Young Talent:** Continue to give significant minutes to Beniers, Kakko, Evans, and Wright. Their development is crucial for the team’s long-term success[2][6].
- **Monitor Prospect Integration:** Bring in promising forwards like Berkley Catton when they are ready, and don’t rush them, but ensure there’s a clear path for them to contribute[5].

**5. Special Teams and Coaching Adjustments**
- **Special Teams:** Address the regression in both power play and penalty kill by either adjusting coaching strategies or bringing in new personnel with proven special teams expertise[3].
- **Coaching:** Consider whether the current coaching staff is maximizing the roster’s potential, especially given noted issues with consistency and defensive coverage[3].

## Summary Table

| Concern | Action Steps |
|------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Defense | Draft/trade for a top-pair D; develop Evans; find partner for Montour |
| Goaltending | Move Grubauer; promote Kokko/Ostman; keep Daccord as starter |
| Forward Youth/Depth | Trade veterans (McCann, Schwartz, Oleksiak); integrate prospects (Catton) |
| Prospect Pool Imbalance| Draft defensemen/goalies; leverage surplus forwards in trades |
| Special Teams/Coaching | Adjust coaching strategies; bring in special teams expertise |

## Conclusion

The Kraken are at a crossroads: they have a promising young core and a strong prospect pool, but need to address defensive and goaltending deficiencies, clear out veteran logjams, and make smart draft choices. By prioritizing youth, targeting defensive upgrades, and making tough decisions on veterans, Seattle can position itself for sustainable success in the coming years[2][3][5].

I think we’ve found the new Head Coach.

 

[The Marquis]

I think we’ve found the new Head Coach.

Real intelligence, still the best kind.

 

[Dowisetrepla]

I agree, prefer giving time to the young talent and making moves via trade rather than overpaying in free agency

 

[Fuhrious]

Meyers re-signed to a 1 year, 1-way $775k contract. I'm guessing that's the 4C spot filled.

 

[gstommylee]

I agree, prefer giving time to the young talent and making moves via trade rather than overpaying in free agency

Trades aren't necessary any better than free agency since trading has the potential to make certain position on the roster better only make other positions worse depending on which players you have to give up. It could make the prospect pool worse by possibly giving up your top prospects to get that elite level talent. then there filling any holes made by the trade resulting in relaying on free agency possible overpaying to replace that talent that was traded.