Defending Without Dunn: How Vince Dunn's Injury is Shaping the Kraken’s Defense

Vince Dunn: A Crucial Presence on the Blue Line

Vince Dunn’s impact on the Kraken cannot be overstated. Known for his puck-moving abilities and playmaking skills, Dunn was central to Seattle’s defensive play. Averaging nearly 24 minutes per game last season, he was a key player both on the power play and in transition. His absence has left a void in the Kraken’s back end, requiring the team to adjust defensively and offensively.

What the Kraken Are Missing Without Dunn

Vince Dunn’s absence has left a significant gap in the Kraken’s defense, affecting both their transition game and defensive structure. As one of the team’s top puck-movers, Dunn’s ability to drive the play from the back end was crucial in generating offense and maintaining possession. His speed and skill in carrying the puck out of the defensive zone allowed Seattle to transition quickly into attack, a vital part of their game that has slowed in his absence.

In the four games Dunn played before his injury, he recorded 3 points, showing just how valuable his presence was to the team’s success. Without him, the Kraken have struggled to replicate the same level of effectiveness, posting a 3-7-1 record this season, which adds to their all-time record without Dunn of 11-28-5. These numbers underline the difficulty Seattle faces without their top defenseman in the lineup.

Defensively, Dunn’s ability to match up against elite players while still contributing offensively allowed the Kraken to balance their pairings more effectively. With him sidelined, coach Dan Bylsma has been forced to adjust pairings, placing greater pressure on players like Adam Larsson and Jamie Oleksiak. Both defensemen are primarily focused on the defensive side of the game, but with Dunn out, they’ve had to take on additional offensive responsibilities, a challenge that hasn’t always been easy. Oleksiak, in particular, has struggled with these new demands, leading the team in giveaways and already just 8 giveaways away from his total for all of last season, despite only playing 15 games.

Overall, Dunn’s absence has altered the flow of Seattle’s defense and offensive structure. His leadership in both transition play and matchups has left a void, forcing other players to step up and adjust to new responsibilities. While the Kraken have shown resilience, there’s no doubt that they miss Dunn’s ability to both shut down the opposition and ignite their own offensive game from the back end.

Stepping Up: Who’s Filling the Void?

With Dunn out of the lineup, Brandon Montour and Ryker Evans have emerged as the key contributors on the blue line.

• Brandon Montour: Brought in via free agency, Montour has quickly become a central figure in Seattle’s defense. With 4 goals and 7 assists in 14 games, Montour has stepped up in Dunn's absence with impressive results. Averaging nearly 24 minutes per game, he has been a workhorse, logging big minutes and contributing offensively. His pairing with Jamie Oleksiak has been particularly effective, with the duo posting a +5 goal differential, helping Seattle maintain strong defensive play while generating scoring chances. Montour’s ability to move the puck and play both ends of the ice has been crucial in keeping the Kraken competitive in Dunn’s absence.
• Ryker Evans: At just 23 years old, Evans has stepped up into a larger role than anticipated. With 8 points in 15 games and averaging over 20 minutes per game, Evans has shown that he’s ready for more responsibility. He’s played primarily in Dunn's spot next to Adam Larsson, and while not as dynamic as the Montour-Oleksiak pairing, they’ve been solid defensively. Evans’s growth is particularly noteworthy for such a young player, as he’s embraced the opportunity to handle tougher matchups and contribute offensively, something he’ll likely continue to do even when Dunn returns.

Looking Ahead

When Dunn returns, he’s likely to resume his spot alongside Larsson, pushing Evans to the third pairing with Will Borgen. However, the Kraken have seen enough from Evans to continue involving him in key situations. As for Montour, his leadership and two-way contributions will continue to be invaluable to Seattle’s defensive core.

While Dunn’s absence has been felt, the Kraken have discovered new depth on the blue line, with Montour and Evans emerging as key players in Seattle’s defensive strategy. Their growth and adaptability will only strengthen the team moving forward.