Seattle Kraken’s bright future emerges despite current struggles

Not long ago, the Seattle Kraken were the talk of the NHL as they embarked on an improbable playoff run in just their second season. They achieved the franchise’s first postseason series victory and pushed the formidable Dallas Stars to a thrilling Game 7. That magical moment remains a cherished memory for Kraken fans, but unfortunately, those glory days appear to have slipped away, at least for now.

A combination of contract expirations and tough roster decisions led to the departure of several crucial bottom-six contributors, many of whom signed larger deals elsewhere. Meanwhile, the aging core that propelled the Kraken to postseason success has shown some wear. As a result, this year’s on-ice product hasn’t found the same spark, and Seattle currently finds itself mired in a five-game losing streak.

A young franchise with a long-term plan

When your team is on a slide, it’s hard not to get discouraged. But it’s important to remember that the Kraken are still in their fourth NHL season—a mere toddler in league terms. Building a truly competitive team is a marathon, not a sprint. Despite the immediate disappointment, the franchise’s long-term trajectory remains promising.

Nowhere is this more evident than in Seattle’s wealth of prospects. The organization has shown an impressive ability to identify and develop young talent, reflected in the World Junior Championship (WJC). This year, the Kraken have eight players taking part in the tournament—tied for second-most of any NHL team. Here’s the full list of prospects, including their draft positions and countries:

• Berkly Catton – Canada – 2024 1st Round Pick (8th)
• Carson Rehkopf – Canada – 2023 2nd Round Pick (50th)
• Caden Price – Canada – 2023 3rd Round Pick (84th)
• Eduard Šalé – Czechia – 2023 1st Round Pick (20th)
• Jakub Fibigr – Czechia – 2024 7th Round Pick (202nd)
• Julius Miettinen – Finland – 2024 2nd Round Pick (40th)
• Kim Saarinen – Finland – 2024 3rd Round Pick (88th)
• Zeb Forsfjäll – Sweden – 2023 6th Round Pick (180th)

It’s unrealistic to expect all eight to become franchise-altering talents, but having so many high-upside players is a testament to a strong scouting and development process. The Kraken’s future does not only rest on these promising prospects. It also centers on potential cornerstones already in the NHL, such as Shane Wright, who has shown significant progress, and Ryker Evans. Seattle's hopes lie in carefully developing these young players into the next wave of leaders and the foundation of a perennial contender.

Looking ahead

In keeping with this youth-first approach, the Kraken recently swung a deal to bring in former second-overall pick Kaapo Kakko, sending veteran defenseman Will Borgen and two draft picks to the New York Rangers. Though Kakko’s production has been inconsistent in his career so far, his pedigree is indisputable—there’s a reason he was such a highly touted prospect in his draft year. Sometimes a new environment, different coaching, and a fresh start can unlock a player’s potential. He even scored his first goal as a Kraken in his last outing, and with more practice time alongside his new teammates, there’s reason to believe he could become a key piece of Seattle’s future.

For the short term, it’s hard to ignore that the Kraken may very well miss the playoffs. However, as the season winds down, fans should keep an eye on how the roster evolves. Expect more young players to see ice time, especially if the playoff race becomes out of reach. It’s all part of the larger plan: seeing which combinations click, who emerges as a leader, and which prospects might form the backbone of the Kraken’s next playoff push.

If this five-game losing streak feels disheartening, take solace in the bigger picture. The current challenges simply spotlight the work needed to return to playoff contention. With a strong pipeline of prospects, a commitment to development, and new additions like Kakko, the Seattle Kraken are quietly laying a solid foundation for sustained success.

Despite today’s difficulties, there’s every reason to believe that tomorrow shines brightly in the Emerald City.