Seattle's goalie shuffle continues

The Seattle Kraken’s goaltending situation has taken another intriguing twist. After briefly calling up Ales Stezka to fill a potential backup role behind Joey Daccord, the team reassigned him and instead brought up 20-year-old Finnish netminder Nikke Kokko. On the surface, it might look like Stezka’s performance wasn’t enough to keep him around, but this move is more likely a simple matter of roster logistics. The Kraken appear intent on taking a careful look at both prospects while also managing NHL service time and waiver eligibility.

Despite not posting eye-popping NHL stats during his short stint, Stezka showed glimpses of promise. He seems well-positioned to serve as a reliable backup option if Seattle chooses to recall him again in the near future. For now, though, Kokko is getting an opportunity to experience NHL practices, possibly glean a few insights from seasoned players, and get a taste of big-league hockey. The team’s upcoming schedule doesn’t include back-to-backs for several games, so Daccord is likely to shoulder the load in net until at least early March.

A rising young goalie

While Kokko may be too young to see regular action right away, it’s easy to see why fans are excited. He’s compiled an impressive 2.44 goals-against average (GAA) and a .909 save percentage (SV%) in 21 AHL appearances this season. Those numbers slightly edge out Stezka’s stats in the minors, making Kokko an intriguing long-term solution. Still, at just 20 years old, he needs more time to refine his technique and adapt to the speed of pro hockey before regularly challenging for an NHL spot.

Stezka’s reassignment seems to be about preserving flexibility rather than a slight on his performance. NHL teams often maneuver younger prospects in and out of the lineup to avoid triggering waiver rules or burning valuable contract time. With the Kraken not having a back to back scheduled until they face the Washington Capitals on March 9, we may not see any changes to Seattle’s crease until then. That date could be the next realistic chance for the backup goalie—whoever that may be—to get a start.

Meanwhile, another name worth remembering is Philipp Grubauer. Sent down to the AHL after struggling with consistency, Grubauer is getting plenty of playing time in the minors. The Kraken have shown a willingness to keep veterans in the AHL if it helps the Firebirds’ roster and assists in player development. Daniel Sprong is a prime example; he found new life in Coachella Valley and has been a key offensive contributor there, notching 19 points in just 16 games.

For now, Seattle is content with letting young talents like Kokko and Stezka grow, while an NHL veteran in Grubauer remains on standby if the team needs him back. The goal is to shape a goaltending tandem that can steady the Kraken for years to come, and these roster moves—though sometimes confusing—are likely steps toward finding the perfect fit.