Joey Daccord is quietly emerging as one of the NHL’s best goalies

The Seattle Kraken have found their star in net this season. Joey Daccord, who began the year splitting starts with Philipp Grubauer, has firmly established himself as the team’s top goaltender. His performances have been nothing short of exceptional, putting him in the conversation as one of the NHL’s best so far this season.

Seizing the Starting Role

When the season started, the Kraken gave both Daccord and Grubauer equal opportunities in net. It didn’t take long for Daccord to rise above the competition. His poise under pressure and ability to deliver in key moments have made a significant difference for the team.

Through 12 starts, Daccord has an 8-3-1 record, a 2.51 goals-against average (GAA), and a .918 save percentage. These numbers rank him among the top 10 goalies in the NHL who have played at least seven games. His advanced stats are just as impressive, as he ranks third in the league with 7.6 goals saved above expected (GSAx). Daccord isn’t just keeping the Kraken in games, he’s winning them.

The Contrast with Grubauer

While Daccord has excelled, Grubauer has struggled to find consistency. The Kraken are 1-6 in Grubauer’s starts, and his 3.11 GAA and .881 save percentage fall well below league standards. His outings have also been marred by bad luck, including three games where the Kraken were shut out offensively. While Grubauer hasn’t been disastrous, he hasn’t delivered the reliability needed from a goaltender with a $5.9 million annual cap hit.

Rewarding the Future

The Kraken showed faith in Daccord by signing him to a five-year, $25 million contract extension this offseason, which begins next year. However, Daccord is already proving he’s worth every dollar. The team’s decision to shift away from a balanced goalie rotation and lean on him as the primary starter has paid off in a big way.

Daccord’s presence in net doesn’t just stabilize the team defensively; it gives them confidence. His ability to make key saves energizes the roster and impacts how the Kraken play in front of him.

What Lies Ahead

Daccord has grabbed hold of the starting role and isn’t looking back. His performances have been instrumental in the Kraken’s early success, and his consistency makes him an invaluable piece of the puzzle as Seattle eyes a playoff push.

The journey for Daccord is just beginning. With his current trajectory, he’s not only proving he’s the Kraken’s best option in net, he’s showing he belongs among the NHL’s elite.