Did the Kraken just discover their new backup goalie?

When the Seattle Kraken opted to call up Ales Stezka over struggling veteran Philipp Grubauer for Sunday’s game, it wasn’t just a roster move—it was a statement. Grubauer, once the team’s $5.9 million-a-year starter, had been relegated to the AHL after posting a dismal .866 save percentage and 3.83 GAA this season. In his place stood Stezka, a 28-year-old journeyman making his NHL debut in a 4-1 loss. Though the result wasn’t ideal, Stezka’s performance—and the Kraken’s decision to bypass Grubauer—offers a telling glimpse into the team’s evolving goaltending strategy.

Why Stezka over Grubauer?

Grubauer’s demotion marked a stark fall from grace for the 33-year-old, who backstopped the Kraken’s inaugural playoff run in 2022-23. But with Seattle languishing near the bottom of the Western Conference, the organization made a pragmatic choice: prioritize evaluation over nostalgia. Stezka, who posted a .914 SV% with AHL Coachella Valley last season, represented a low-risk opportunity to assess internal depth.

The decision paid immediate dividends. While Stezka’s stat line (.864 SV%, 3.09 GAA) wasn’t flawless, he outperformed Grubauer’s recent NHL numbers and showcased traits Seattle desperately needs: composure under fire and a knack for weathering defensive breakdowns.

From Czech roots to Kraken crease

When Ales Stezka stepped onto the ice for the Seattle Kraken last night, it marked the culmination of a nine-year grind through leagues across three countries. The 28-year-old Czech netminder, making his NHL debut in a 4-1 loss, didn’t secure a win, but he did something far more important: he proved he belongs. Let’s dive into Stezka’s career arc, his debut performance, and why he could solidify Seattle’s goaltending depth chart moving forward.

Stezka’s first NHL start was a mixed bag statistically—19 saves on 22 shots (.864 SV%) over 58 minutes—but context is key. The Kraken’s defense, notorious for inconsistency this season, left him exposed to high-danger chances, including a deflection off a teammate’s skate and a screened wrist shot through traffic. His big highlight-reel moment came early, with a lightning-quick glove save on a shorthanded breakaway that kept the game scoreless.

While the .864 SV% won’t turn heads, Stezka’s composure did. He didn’t buckle after the first goal (a 1-on-1 breakaway created by a defensive turnover) and kept Seattle within striking distance until the game unraveled late. 

A path forged in patience

Stezka’s journey to the NHL has been anything but linear. Let’s break down his career numbers:

Stezka’s career is a story of resilience. After early struggles in the USHL and Czech lower leagues, he blossomed with HC Vitkovice in 2022–23, posting a stellar .924 SV% and 2.14 GAA. That performance earned him an AHL contract with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, where he initially thrived (.914 SV% in 2023–24) before regressing slightly this season amid a larger role.

Strengths

1. Technical Foundation: Stezka’s positioning and rebound control—honed in Czechia’s defensive systems—translate well to the NHL. His calmness under duress mirrors starter Joey Daccord’s demeanor.
2. Proven Adaptability: From USHL champion to Czech league standout, Stezka has reinvented his game at every level. His .924 SV% season in 2022–23 shows peak potential.
3. Maturity: At 28, he’s no raw prospect. His poise in a chaotic debut suggests he’s ready for spot-start duty.

Areas to Grow

• Lateral Quickness: Overcommitted on the second goal, leaving the far post vulnerable—a recurring issue in his AHL tape.
• Puck Handling: Tentative play behind the net led to prolonged defensive zone shifts. Refining this could ease pressure on Seattle’s defense.
• Consistency: His AHL numbers dipped this season (.902 SV%), likely due to increased starts. Managing workload will be key.

What’s next for Seattle’s goalie carousel?

Calling up Stezka over Grubauer wasn’t just about one game—it was about recalibrating Seattle’s goaltending future. At 28, Stezka isn’t a “prospect,” but his combination of maturity and untapped upside makes him an intriguing stopgap as the Kraken navigate Grubauer’s albatross contract.

His debut, while imperfect, confirmed he can handle NHL speed. If he builds on this showing, Seattle might’ve found their backup solution—and a blueprint for moving past the Grubauer era.