Every time a new National Hockey League (NHL) season starts or just begins, several notable websites put out lists of players to keep an eye on. ESPN put out a list after the start of the season with players who have the potential to have a breakout season.
The author of the article, Greg Wyshynski, broke the article down into five categories for a potential breakout: Change of scenery, young star to super star, players they've been waiting to see a breakout season from, goaltending getting a chance in net, and rookies making their debut.
Of the five categories, Whyshynski only had one Kraken player listed: Mackie Samoskevich. The Kraken traded two draft picks, a first round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and a 2027 second round pick to acquire Samoskevich.
Already, Samoskevich has proven to be a great addition to Seattle to start the 2026-27 season. As the season progresses, he definitely has the potential to break out even more.
Samoskevich already off to a strong start in Seattle
In eight games with the Kraken, Samoskevich has four points in eight games with Seattle. He scored his first goal in his second game with the team, on Oct. 4 against the Calgary Flames. This was the Kraken's home opener, and Samoskevich scored four minutes into the game, just two minutes after Berkly Catton opened the scoring. However, Samoskevich wasn't done, and he scored his second of the game with less than a minute left in the second period.
This marked Samoskevich's first multi-goal game in his NHL career. To achieve this milestone in the home opener for his new team is a great feat and a testament to Samoskevich's ability. It also shows just how much Seattle believes in him as a player.
Samoskevich has previous experience playing with Kraken star Matty Beniers. The two played at the University of Michigan together. The pair were placed on the same line, with Jared McCann at left wing. The trio has already found success on the Kraken's top six.
Samoskevich has all the puzzle pieces to have a strong performance in the 2026-27 season. Now, he just needs to put them together to find the success he needs to make the most of his first season in Seattle.
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