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Kraken: Building on Success While Eyeing the Ceiling
After a solid second season in the NHL, the Seattle Kraken are entering their third year with elevated expectations. Finishing last season with a notable 100 points in the Pacific Division and a strong playoff run, the Kraken have set the bar high. But can they replicate or even improve upon last season's performance?
2022-2023 Recap: A Promising Start
Seattle's last season was nothing short of successful. They not only earned 100 points but also shocked the defending champions, the Colorado Avalanche, in a seven-game playoff series. While their ESBC Power AI metrics indicated room for improvement, especially in the early part of the season, the team showed commendable progress towards the end.
One of the most significant aspects of their success was their balanced attack—six players scored over 20 goals. However, goaltending was a slight letdown during the regular season, with both Martin Jones and Philip Grubauer performing below their career-best levels. Grubauer, however, redeemed himself with elevated play in the postseason.
Offseason Moves: Tinkering Rather Than Overhauling
The Kraken made relatively modest moves in the offseason. Notable additions include forwards Yamamoto, Studenic, and Bellemare, and defensemen Dumoulin and Carrick. The departures included Sprong, Geekie, Donato, and Soucy. Additionally, veteran Joonas Donskoi had to retire due to injuries. Martin Jones left, and Joey Daccord is now expected to back up Grubauer in goal.
Analytical Outlook: Cautious Optimism
While the Kraken's ESBC Power AI metrics weren't particularly outstanding last season, they improved towards the end, suggesting a team that was getting better as the season progressed. However, some players had career-best seasons last year, and it may be unrealistic to expect them to repeat that performance.
Moreover, while Seattle's offseason acquisitions are respectable, they're mostly depth players and unlikely to significantly impact the Kraken's power on the ice. The goaltending situation also presents a mixed bag: while Grubauer rose to the occasion during the playoffs, he'll need to maintain that level over a full season for the Kraken to be a genuine threat.
The Big Picture: Another Solid Season Likely, But Challenges Abound
Seattle Kraken's upcoming season looks promising, but it comes with challenges. Their balanced scoring attack will need to fire on all cylinders again, especially given that some players are coming off career seasons. Goaltending will have to be consistently strong, and the depth acquisitions will need to find their groove quickly.
Dave Hakstol continues as head coach and will have the task of fine-tuning this relatively unchanged roster to build upon last season's success.
In summary, the Seattle Kraken have a firm foundation and all the elements for another strong season. However, they'll need to navigate through some potential pitfalls to make a deep playoff run. Last year they defied expectations, and the 2023-2024 season will tell us if they can make it a habit.
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