20 games in: Are the Kraken ready to take the next step?

The Seattle Kraken have completed the first 20 games of the season with a 10-9-1 record. While not their strongest start in franchise history, it’s a clear improvement over last year. Head Coach Dan Bylsma has faced a challenging introduction to the Kraken, balancing a new system, integrating key offseason acquisitions, and adapting to injuries to some of the team’s top players. Despite some ups and downs, there’s reason to believe this group is starting to find its footing.

A rocky start, but signs of resilience

The Kraken’s season began with promise, as they opened with a 4-2 record that included two thrilling overtime victories. However, optimism took a hit during a brutal stretch that saw the team go 1-7, including back-to-back shutout losses—a first in franchise history. This rough patch exposed one of Seattle’s recurring issues: inconsistency. The team would dominate one period, only to look completely out of sync the next.

That inconsistency was most evident during their road trip, where the Kraken struggled to generate offense, scoring just one goal across nine periods at one point. It was a tough stretch for fans, as the team seemed to lose both their energy and identity. However, Bylsma and his staff managed to right the ship, leading the Kraken to five wins in their last six games. Even in their 2-0 loss to the Rangers, the team demonstrated resilience, competing against one of the league’s best and showing signs of stability.

Consistency remains a challenge, but recent performances suggest the Kraken are learning to play a full 60 minutes. If they can sustain that effort, it could be the key to turning narrow losses into valuable points in the standings.

Players stepping up in key roles

Injuries to Vince Dunn and Jordan Eberle could have derailed the Kraken early, but instead, they’ve revealed the team’s depth and versatility. One of the standout performers during this stretch has been Brandon Montour. Signed in the offseason, Montour has stepped into Dunn’s role as a key playmaker on the blue line, contributing offensively and defensively. His ability to read the game and disrupt opposing rushes has been a stabilizing force for the Kraken.

Ryker Evans has also risen to the occasion in an expanded role. While he’s still learning to fine-tune his positioning, his puck movement and vision have been impressive. Paired with Adam Larsson, Evans has shown he’s capable of stepping into a top-four role when needed, and his development could be a major storyline as the season progresses.

Offensively, Jared McCann has been the Kraken’s go-to player, continuing to elevate his game. With 17 points in 20 games, McCann is on pace for an 85-point season, which would be a franchise record. His consistency and ability to produce even during the team’s shutout losses have been critical. However, the rest of the offense remains a work in progress.

Searching for scoring depth

Beyond McCann, the Kraken’s scoring depth has been inconsistent. Players like Andre Burakovsky, Oliver Bjorkstrand, Eeli Tolvanen, and Shane Wright have all shown flashes of potential but have yet to contribute on a regular basis. Burakovsky, in particular, is still looking for his first goal of the season, but his skillset suggests it’s only a matter of time before he breaks through.

The addition of Sprong has already paid some dividends, as he scored his first goal since rejoining the Kraken. Bjorkstrand and Tolvanen have also had promising moments but need to find ways to create more offense, particularly against tougher opponents. With Jordan Eberle out, the middle-six forwards must step up and capitalize on opportunities if the Kraken hope to make a playoff push.

Steady in the crease

One area where the Kraken have found consistency is in goal. Joey Daccord has emerged as the clear No. 1 netminder, claiming nine of the team’s 10 wins. With a 2.31 GAA, a .923 save percentage, and 10.6 goals saved above expected, Daccord has given the team confidence every time he’s between the pipes. His poise under pressure and ability to keep games close have been instrumental in the team’s recent turnaround.

With Daccord’s strong performances and the team’s defensive structure improving, the Kraken’s ability to limit high-danger chances has become a bright spot. Once fully healthy, the defense-goaltending combination could become one of Seattle’s greatest strengths as the season progresses.

Building a foundation

While there are plenty of positives, one ongoing concern is the development of Shane Wright. The young forward has struggled to find his rhythm, leading to questions about his usage and role on the team. It’s far too early to write him off, but the Kraken must find ways to give Wright meaningful ice time and opportunities to build confidence. His potential as a franchise cornerstone remains, but unlocking it will require patience and the right approach.

Looking ahead, the Kraken sit in the middle of the pack, as many predicted. They’ve shown they can dominate weaker opponents but need to prove they can consistently compete with playoff-caliber teams. As players return from injury and the team becomes more comfortable in Bylsma’s system, the next 20 games will be crucial in determining their trajectory.

If the Kraken can build on their recent improvements and find more consistent contributions from their scoring depth, they have the potential to make a playoff push. For now, they remain a team on the rise, learning to balance their growing pains with flashes of brilliance.