The Seattle Kraken are getting ready to make their 2026-27 National Hockey League (NHL) debut on Oct. 1 against the Calgary Flames. This marks the last-ever home opener for the Flames at the Saddledome before they move to Scotia Place starting in the 2027-28 season.
There is so much to be excited about in the Kraken's sixth season, with new acquisitions, new leadership, and returning faces. Here are your three storylines to watch throughout the Kraken's season opener.
Curtis Douglas makes his Kraken debut
The Kraken had a relatively quiet offseason, but there were still some moves that the team made. On the first day of free agency, the Kraken signed forward Curtis Douglas to a two-year contract. The 6'9" forward will make his Kraken debut tonight against the Flames.
Douglas spent the last season of his career with the Vancouver Canucks, where he only played in 14 games and recorded two points. Making the Kraken's season opening roster, Douglas has a chance to play in his first full NHL season. However, let's take things one game at a time.
Douglas is one of the tallest players in the NHL and he is not one to shy away from using his height or weight to take down other players. He could fill a role the Kraken are in need of: an enforcer. The Kraken had Jamie Oleksiak, who, at 6'7", would step into this role once in a while. However, now that he signed with the Canucks during the offseason, this role can now be filled by Douglas.
McMann shifts down to the second line
Last season, the Kraken acquired forward Bobby McMann from the Toronto Maple Leafs at the trade deadline. Visa issues made it so McMann couldn't play with the team right away, but once he did make it to Seattle, he made a quick impact. He played in 18 games in Seattle and recorded 14 points.
McMann was paired with Matty Beniers and Jordan Eberle for the end of the 2026-27 season. He took the left wing slot on the first line since Jared McCann suffered injuries last season. During morning skate for the Kraken, McMann was still playing left wing with Jordan Eberle, but now on the second line with Chandler Stephenson centering the pair. Beniers remains centering the first line with McCann and Kaapo Kakko on his wings.
Both McCann and McMann are strong, solid offensive players for the Kraken. Both play on the left wing, so unfortunately, they both can't play on the same line. There should be no hurt feelings on McMann's end though, as he is still a solid member of the top six. He will be another player to watch in this game though, to see how his performance continues with the Kraken, especially following a six-year contract extension.
Daccord likely the starting goaltender
The Kraken goaltending duo tandem of Joey Daccord and Philipp Grubauer are ready for action once more. After a poor performance in 2023-24, including a stint down in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, he had an improved performance in 2025-26. Even though both goaltenders are ready to go, the likely start for the Kraken tonight is Daccord.
Daccord has quickly become the starting goaltender for Seattle. He played in 47 games last season, and started 46. He earned a save percentage (SV%) of .897 and a goals-against average (GAA) of 3.03. Daccord did everything he could to keep the Kraken in the game, but he can only do so much when the rest of the team doesn't score.
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