The Seattle Kraken were a complete and utter disaster in 2023-24, and are looking to bounce back in a major way. With some new additions, a new coach, and a much-needed confidence boost this summer, it should be all systems go come October. But, there is still a sense of uncertainity with this team, and what next season could look like.
With that said, let's talk about the unknown with five questions surrounding the 2024-25 Kraken season.
1. Can They Improve From Last Season?
This is a pretty obvious one. With a record of 34-35-13, the Kraken were abysmal last year. In the deep, deep bottom of the NHL leaderboards, they found themselves in trouble in the early part of the season. Starting the season 9-14-7 in their first 30 games is not an ideal way to get your team into the swing of things. From there, it didn't seem like this team made any headway to being a successful hockey team.
But, with being so bad last season, comes the other side of the pillow. They can perform much worse in 2024-25, but they can also turn this ship around in the right direction toward the Stanley Cup Playoffs. There is only one way to find out if they improve next season.
2. Did They Make The RIght Moves During Free Agency
If you look at whether this team had gotten stronger this offseason, the answer would be a resounding yes. But, that is only if you look at the team on paper.
With some new acquisitions getting ready to dig their heels into this organization, the city of Seattle, and the Kraken hopefuls, they seem to be much better with the moves made this offseason. For now, it is safe to say they did make the right moves.
3. Who Will Standout in 2024-25?
This is a fun one to answer, as their are so many players that can be named here. Obviously, their is the leaders of this team in Vince Dunn, Jarred McCann and Oliver Bjorkstrand to name a small few.
In my mind, there are two that have to make a splash in 2024-25, or else their livelihood on this team is in serious jeopardy. That is Shane Wright and Matty Beniers. The duo have been proclaimed as the future of the Kraken, and have been expected to be much better than where they stand right now. You have to hope that either or both of these skaters turn their careers around this upcoming season.
4. Who Will Disappoint in 2024-25?
On the other side, who will be a major letdown next season? If the Kraken continue their woeful offensive numbers, you might as well throw every skater, both forward and defenseman, on this list.
After having some great consecutive seasons since the inaugural season of the Kraken in 2021-22, aforementioned McCann may fall off in 2024-25. That is only because of his stellar play over the last few seasons have been so good, that it could be harder to top this next season. Anything less than career highs for him may grant him an F on the grade-sheet next offseason.
5. Stanley Cup Champions, When?
If this team can turn things around, which all signs point to them being able to, then this question shouldn't be out of the question. When will the Seattle Kraken run the gauntlet, and lift the Stanley Cup for the first time?
Getting back to the postseason and winning a majority of the regular season games in 2024-25 is the top priority. After that, it will be finding the rest of the Stanley Cup puzzle, and fitting it into the Kraken lineup. In my opinion, it isn't a matter of if the Kraken will win a Stanley Cup, it is when.