The Seattle Kraken have hit a rough patch recently, and the team’s injury list is getting longer. One of the biggest concerns is the status of goaltender Joey Daccord, who tweaked something against the Colorado Avalanche. The team has now officially placed Daccord on Injured Reserve (IR) with what is being described as an upper-body injury. While no definitive timetable for his return has been set, the extended absence provides Philipp Grubauer a chance to find his groove as the primary starter. It also opens the door for Ales Stezka to potentially log some valuable NHL minutes if Daccord’s recovery stretches out longer than initially expected.
Before going on IR, Daccord’s performance this season had been noteworthy. He had a 12-9-2 record, which ties him for 16th in the league among goaltenders. His 2.51 goals-against average (GAA) put him at 13th overall, and his .912 save percentage (SV%) also ranked 13th. Additionally, Daccord recorded one shutout, tying him for 18th in that category. Those numbers underscore his importance to the Kraken and make his injury all the more concerning for fans hopeful about the team’s prospects.
Unfortunately, Daccord isn’t the only key player on the sidelines. Yanni Gourde was also placed on IR with a lower-body injury. He missed Saturday’s game against the Edmonton Oilers and was officially put on IR before the matchup with the New Jersey Devils. Like Daccord, Gourde does not yet have a timetable for his return. In the meantime, the Kraken will rely on players like Ben Meyers to step up on the fourth line. Gourde’s absence will certainly be felt in the locker room and on the ice, as he brings energy, two-way skill, and leadership to the squad.
There was even more concern during the Oilers game when defenseman Adam Larsson logged only 12 minutes of ice time before being removed due to a possible issue. Fortunately, Larsson returned to action the following night against the Devils, recording 18 minutes of ice time and even netting his second goal of the season. His quick return eased some anxiety about the team’s already mounting injuries.
Opportunity in adversity
With the Kraken currently on the outside looking in at the playoff picture, losing Daccord and Gourde is hardly ideal. Still, these setbacks present opportunities for younger or less-experienced players to step up and prove their worth. In a season where the team is striving to establish consistency, every game counts—even if it means facing adversity and testing the depth of the roster.
While Kraken fans may feel a bit deflated by this wave of injuries, the silver lining is that the organization will get a closer look at the potential talent waiting in the wings. Whether it’s Stezka in net or Meyers on the fourth line, there’s a chance for these players to make a significant impact. If the team can manage to stay in the hunt during this challenging stretch, they’ll be stronger for it once their injured players return.
For now, the hope is that Daccord and Gourde heal quickly so the Kraken can continue their push for a better standing. In the meantime, fans will keep a close eye on how the lineup adjusts to these changes, looking for silver linings in a situation no one wanted to see.