Seattle– The NHL’s newest franchise entered the 2021-22 season with high expectations.

Just five years ago, General manager George Mcphee and the Las Vegas Golden Knights changed the narrative surrounding expansion teams in professional hockey, after finishing as a Stanley Cup finalist atop the Pacific Division.

Today, the Kraken will look to follow in the Golden Knights’ footsteps. With their difficult five-game road trip complete, here’s what stood out from Seattle’s early-season campaign.

Defense

Seattle GM Rob Francis received criticism for underutilizing the Kraken’s cap space during the July 2021 expansion draft. After organizing a defensive-focused lineup that avoided star names and expensive contracts, the club made a splash in free agency.

This began with the signing of 29-year-old goalie Philipp Grubauer, who agreed to a six-year deal worth $35.4 million. Grubauer was a 2020-21 Vezina Trophy finalist who will play a key role in Seattle’s defense.

“Grubauer was an excellent signing,” said Steve Sheets, a former hockey goalie, and recent Kraken fan. “Coming from a contender in Colorado, he brings a lot to the table.”

Through his first three starts, Grubauer played well in his new role with the Kraken, saving 76 shots with a 0.894 save percentage. Unfortunately, backup goalie Chris Driedger wouldn’t be available to start Seattle’s contest against Philadelphia, where a winded Grubauer allowed five goals and was pulled after only 28 minutes of play.

“This would’ve been a scheduled start for Driedger,” head coach Dave Hakstol said following a 6-1

 Kraken defeat. “Obviously with the injuries we weren’t able to utilize him.”

After six games, Seattle’s defense-first lineup is currently allowing 3.83 goals per game, which puts them in the bottom half of all NHL teams.

Chemistry

One of the biggest challenges that the Kraken faced leading up to their home opener at Climate Pledge arena was the ability to establish chemistry in such a short period.

Between the expansion draft in July, and Seattle’s NHL debut against Vegas, the club was expected to practice, prepare and compete in a mere three months’ time.

“One of the important things that I believe our players need is an opportunity to bond and build chemistry,” said Hakstol in a preseason interview. “The good players that do have chemistry are able to get us through some [inevitable] rough patches.”

Both Francis and Hakstol understood that this would be a major challenge for the team in its early years. To counteract this, the Kraken chose experienced veterans like defenseman Mark Giordano to not only become the team’s first captain but to act as both a role model and mentor for younger Kraken players in the years to come. 

Giordano, who is currently entering his 16th season in the NHL, is an elite defenseman who spent the majority of his career with the Calgary Flames where he is recognized as one of the franchise’s greatest ever. 

Since signing with Seattle, Giordano has embraced his leadership role in the Kraken locker room. 

“I like to think that I lead by playing as hard as I can night in and out,” said Giordano in a press conference. “But there are times I think when it’s more important to step up and say the right things well when the team needs a boost.”

Despite the team’s struggles early on in the year, it’s become clear that even after the team’s home-opening defeat against Vancouver, the Kraken culture is here to stay.