For the first time in franchise history, the Seattle Kraken have placed Philipp Grubauer on waivers, signaling what could be the final chapter of his time with the team. It’s a tough moment—not just for the organization, but for fans who watched him anchor the crease through Seattle’s first-ever playoff series victory.
But hockey is a results-driven business, and Grubauer’s results have fallen off a cliff. After posting a league-worst .866 save percentage and 3.83 goals-against average, the Kraken had little choice but to move on.
As hard as this decision is, it’s even harder knowing what Grubauer once meant to this team. From his strong 2023 playoff performance to becoming the winningest German-born goalie in NHL history, he’s had some unforgettable moments in a Kraken sweater. But after a brutal 2024-25 season, it’s clear his time as Seattle’s top net minder has come to an end.
From franchise goalie to AHL assignment
When the Kraken signed Philipp Grubauer ahead of their inaugural 2021-22 season, expectations were high. He had just finished a Vezina-caliber season with the Colorado Avalanche, posting a 1.95 GAA and .922 SV%, and Seattle hoped he would provide the same elite goaltending for their expansion franchise.
But Year One was a disaster. Seattle’s defense was leaky, and Grubauer struggled mightily, finishing with an .889 SV% and 3.16 GAA, one of the worst stat lines for a starting goalie in the NHL.
The 2022-23 season was a different story. The Kraken took a major step forward as a team, and while Grubauer’s 2.85 GAA and .895 SV% were still below expectations, he came alive in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Against his former team, the defending champion Colorado Avalanche, Grubauer was spectacular, helping Seattle win its first-ever playoff series in seven games. He stood tall again in Round 2 against Dallas, though the Kraken ultimately fell short.
After that playoff run, it felt like Grubauer had finally turned a corner in Seattle.
The 2023-24 season started with optimism, and he played well when healthy, posting a 2.86 GAA and .899 SV% in 36 games—his best regular-season numbers as a Kraken. But injuries derailed his year, forcing Seattle to turn to Joey Daccord, who took over the crease and never gave it back.
The 50-50 split that became a one-man show
The 2024-25 season began with the coaching staff giving Grubauer a fair shot, setting up a 50-50 split in net between him and Daccord. But it didn’t take long to see which goalie had the hot hand.
Daccord proved last season wasn’t a fluke. He has posted a 2.45 GAA and .917 SV%, ranking top five in the NHL in save percentage. He has continue to make breakaway stops look routine and gives the team confidence. Meanwhile, Grubauer’s struggles only worsened, his numbers plummeting to a league-worst .866 SV% and 3.83 GAA.
Beyond just numbers, the team plays completely differently in front of each goalie. With Daccord, the Kraken are aggressive and trusted him to make key stops. With Grubauer, it feels like they are playing scared—knowing that one mistake could lead to another early deficit.
As Daccord took full control of the net, Grubauer’s confidence seemed to vanish. He lost five straight starts, including a crushing 5-goal collapse against Anaheim that ultimately led to his AHL demotion.
The end of an era?
Now, the question is: Is this the end of Grubauer’s time in Seattle?
With two years left on his $5.9M per year contract, the Kraken face a tough decision. A trade is highly unlikely given his current level of play, leaving a buyout as the most realistic option.
No matter what happens, Kraken fans should remember Grubauer for his contributions. He was a key piece of Seattle’s first-ever playoff series victory, delivering clutch performances against one of the best teams in the league. Without him, that series win never happens.
But hockey moves fast, and Joey Daccord is the future now. Signed to a five-year extension, he has cemented himself as Seattle’s go-to netminder, proving beyond a doubt that he is the real deal.
As for Grubauer, his future remains uncertain. Whether this is a temporary setback or the beginning of the end, one thing is clear—his time as Seattle’s franchise goalie is officially over.