In a dramatic 4-3 shootout win over the playoff-hungry St. Louis Blues, Philipp Grubauer turned away five consecutive shooters in a sh to help the Kraken secure a victory that was equal parts tense and telling. While the win was encouraging, the larger storyline loomed in the crease. With just one more game remaining in the season, and Grubauer’s future with the team uncertain, Saturday night may have marked his final appearance in a Kraken sweater.
Despite allowing three goals during regulation, Grubauer stood tall when it mattered most—holding off St. Louis through overtime and shutting the door in the shootout. It was a gritty performance that flashed the kind of poise Kraken fans hoped to see more consistently throughout his Seattle tenure.
A familiar face finds his form again
Earlier this season, Grubauer cleared waivers and was sent down to Coachella Valley to rediscover his game. While we discussed that being the end of his Kraken chapter, he returned to the NHL with something to prove. In the five games since being recalled, Grubauer has posted a 3-2 record with a 2.19 GAA and .915 save percentage—an encouraging uptick for a goaltender carrying a $5.9 million cap hit through 2027.
Saturday’s performance was perhaps his most symbolic yet: a reminder of what he’s capable of when healthy and focused, even as questions about his long-term future swirl.
Depth contributions and youth step up again
Offensively, the Kraken saw a mix of veterans and emerging talent drive the scoring. Jaden Schwartz opened the tally in the second, continuing his quietly strong season, while Michael Eyssimont and Shane Wright added goals in the third. Wright’s tally, his 19th of the year, tied the game after the Blues had scored twice in 13 seconds to briefly take control.
Tye Kartye also chipped in with two assists, further solidifying his place as a valuable depth piece going forward.
The bigger picture: What now?
While the victory may seem inconsequential in the standings, it could prove meaningful for how the Kraken approach the offseason. With Joey Daccord locked in as the likely starter going forward, Grubauer’s future could hinge on whether Seattle finds a trade partner willing to absorb part of his deal. If Saturday was his curtain call, it was a dignified exit—and one that adds a complicated wrinkle to Ron Francis’ summer agenda.
Next up, the Kraken close out their season at home against the Kings. With Joey Daccord expected to get the final start, Saturday’s shootout win may have been Philipp Grubauer’s last appearance of the season—and possibly his last in a Kraken uniform.