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Kraken in Rough Seas: Can Seattle Rebound in 2024-2025?
The Seattle Kraken followed up their breakout 2022-2023 season, which saw them make a surprise run to the playoffs, with a disappointing 2023-2024 campaign. After establishing themselves as a competitive new franchise, expectations were high, but the Kraken struggled to find consistency and ultimately missed the playoffs by a significant 17-point margin. Now, with a coaching change and some key roster adjustments, the Kraken are looking to bounce back for the 2024-2025 season. Here’s a deeper dive into what went wrong last season and what to expect moving forward.
2023-2024 Recap: Falling Short of Expectations
The Kraken’s 2023-2024 season was a frustrating one. After their deep playoff run the previous year, Seattle was expected to build on that momentum, but instead, they struggled to maintain the same level of performance. They finished with 81 points, far from the playoff bubble, and scored only 216 goals, despite having decent underlying metrics.
One of the biggest issues for Seattle was their shooting percentage, which was abnormally low for most of the season. The Kraken were able to generate chances consistently, but finishing those chances was a persistent problem. Their expected goals (xG) metrics indicated that they should have finished around 90 points, which likely would have placed them in contention for a playoff spot. However, their inability to convert those opportunities into goals was their downfall, as the offense simply couldn’t score enough to keep up with stronger teams.
From a broader perspective, the Kraken's ESBC Power AI metrics remained solid, indicating that the team was generally playing the right way but was undone by bad luck and inefficient shooting. The numbers suggested that with more normal shooting percentages, Seattle could have been much more competitive. However, hockey can be unforgiving, and these underwhelming results led to a major change in point totals.
Coaching Change: Bylsma In, Hakstol Out
In the wake of missing the playoffs, Seattle parted ways with head coach Dave Hakstol, a decision that signaled the organization’s urgency to get back on track. Dan Bylsma, the Stanley Cup-winning coach from his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins, was hired to replace Hakstol. Bylsma brings with him a wealth of experience and a reputation for developing strong defensive teams, which should fit well with the Kraken’s existing roster construction.
Bylsma’s task will be to optimize the Kraken’s performance, particularly by addressing their scoring woes. His coaching philosophy emphasizes quick transitions and high-pressure play, which could help the Kraken convert more of their scoring chances into goals. If Bylsma can revitalize the Kraken’s offense while maintaining their defensive discipline, Seattle should be better positioned for success in 2024-2025.
Offseason Moves: Key Departures and Additions
The Kraken’s offseason saw several notable changes to the roster, both in terms of departures and new additions. The summer departures included Brian Dumoulin, Devin Shore, and Tomas Tatar, none of whom were cornerstone players. While these losses won’t devastate the Kraken’s lineup, their depth could be tested if the team faces injuries or performance issues.
On the addition front, Seattle made two important moves by bringing in Brandon Montour and Chandler Stephenson. Montour, who had a career year in 2022-2023, will be looked upon to help stabilize the Kraken’s defense while contributing offensive upside from the blue line. However, it’s unlikely he’ll be able to replicate his career-best performance, so expectations should be somewhat tempered.
Stephenson, a versatile forward, will add speed and playmaking to the Kraken’s forward group. His ability to play in multiple roles—whether in the top six or as a key piece on the penalty kill—gives Seattle flexibility, but like Montour, he isn’t likely to move the needle dramatically on his own.
These moves won’t drastically change the Kraken’s overall ESBC Power AI ratings. The team remains largely similar to last season’s version, meaning that unless one of their newcomers or returning players has an unexpected breakout year, Seattle will once again find itself in the middle of the pack.
Goaltending Stability: Daccord and Grubauer Return
One area where Seattle opted for continuity was in net, as the Kraken will once again rely on the goaltending tandem of Joey Daccord and Philip Grubauer.
Grubauer, in particular, has been somewhat inconsistent since joining the Kraken, struggling to live up to the level of play that earned him a Vezina Trophy finalist nod while with Colorado. Meanwhile, Daccord has shown promise but remains relatively unproven as a full-time NHL starter. For the Kraken to make a serious push for the playoffs, they’ll need improved goaltending from this duo, particularly from Grubauer, who has been underperforming.
2024-2025 Outlook: A 50/50 Playoff Shot
Looking ahead to the 2024-2025 season, the Kraken are projected to be a middle-of-the-pack team once again. Their underlying metrics, especially their expected goals, suggest they are capable of finishing near a playoff spot, but they will need to avoid the offensive inefficiencies that plagued them last season. With a shooting percentage closer to the league average, Seattle could easily find themselves in the thick of the playoff race.
The wildcard for the Kraken’s upcoming season will be whether their new additions—particularly Montour and Stephenson—can integrate quickly and provide the boost the team needs. Additionally, the Kraken will need a strong season from their goaltending tandem, especially Grubauer, who must rediscover his previous form if Seattle hopes to make the playoffs.
If things go right, the Kraken have a roughly 50% chance of making the playoffs, but they’ll need to avoid the bad luck that derailed them last season and find more consistency on offense. At the same time, the reality is that Seattle remains a team with some limitations, particularly in their ability to generate high-end scoring chances and control the pace of the game.
Conclusion: Navigating Another Competitive Season
After a disappointing 2023-2024 season, the Seattle Kraken are looking to regroup and get back into the playoff mix for 2024-2025. With a solid foundation in place, the addition of Dan Bylsma behind the bench, and some key offseason moves, the Kraken have the pieces to be competitive.
In the end, the Kraken will likely be a middle-of-the-pack team, with their playoff chances hanging in the balance. If things break their way, they could make another run, but it’s equally possible they’ll find themselves on the outside looking in once again.
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