As the NHL pauses for the 4 Nations Face-Off (formerly the All-Star Break), the Seattle Kraken find themselves in a transitional phase during their fourth season in the league. With a 24-29-4 record, the Kraken sit fifth from the bottom in the NHL standings, a disappointing position for a team that made the playoffs just last season. However, despite the struggles, there are reasons for optimism as the Kraken continue to build under first-year head coach Dan Bylsma and lean on standout performances from key players.
A season of adjustments
The 2024-2025 season has been one of adjustment for the Kraken. After parting ways with Dave Hakstol, the team brought in Dan Bylsma, a seasoned coach with a Stanley Cup pedigree, to lead the way. Bylsma’s system emphasizes speed, structure, and puck possession, but implementing a new style of play has come with growing pains. The Kraken have shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency has been elusive, particularly in close games where they’ve struggled to close out victories.
Bright spots: Beniers and Kakko’s chemistry
One of the most exciting developments this season has been the emergence of the top line featuring Matty Beniers and Kaapo Kakko. Beniers, the reigning Calder Trophy winner, has continued to grow into his role as the franchise centerpiece. His vision, playmaking, and two-way game have been on full display, and he’s formed a dynamic connection with Kakko, who was acquired in a mid-season trade.
Kakko, a former top draft pick, has found new life in Seattle. Playing alongside Beniers, he’s rediscovered his scoring touch and confidence, giving the Kraken a legitimate top-line threat. The chemistry between the two has been a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season, and their partnership offers a glimpse into the team’s offensive potential moving forward.
Joey Daccord: The hero we need
While the Kraken’s record may not reflect it, one player has been a revelation this season: goaltender Joey Daccord. Since taking over the reign as the Kraken's starter, Daccord has been nothing short of spectacular. With a 2.49 goals-against average (GAA) and a .916 save percentage, both ranking in the top 10 among NHL goalies, Daccord has been the backbone of the team.
What makes Daccord’s performance even more impressive is his advanced metrics. He has saved 20.4 more goals than expected, a statistic that ranks third in the NHL behind only Connor Hellebuyck (the likely Vezina Trophy winner) and Logan Thompson. Considering that Hellebuyck and Thompson play for the top two teams in the league, Daccord’s numbers are even more remarkable. On a team that ranks near the bottom of the standings, Daccord’s heroics have kept the Kraken competitive in games they might otherwise have been blown out of.
Daccord’s performance has flown under the radar nationally, but in Seattle, he’s become a fan favorite and a symbol of hope. Without him, the Kraken’s season could have been far worse, and his emergence as a reliable starter is a major positive for the franchise.
Looking ahead: Building for the future
As the Kraken head into the break, the focus remains on development and building for the future. While the team’s record is disappointing, there are clear signs of progress. The Beniers-Kakko connection provides a foundation for the offense, and Daccord’s emergence in net gives the team a cornerstone to build around.
The Kraken also have a strong prospect pipeline, with players like Shane Wright and Ryker Evans already showing what they are capable of at an NHL level and even more young talent waiting in the wings. As young players like Carson Rehkopf, Berkly Catton, and Jani Nyman continue to develop, they’ll add depth and talent to the roster, helping the team take the next step.
In the meantime, the Kraken will look to finish the season strong, using the remaining games to evaluate their roster and continue implementing Bylsma’s system. While playoffs may be out of reach this year, the team is laying the groundwork for future success.
Conclusion
The Seattle Kraken’s fourth season has been a mixed bag, with struggles on the ice but also glimmers of hope for the future. Matty Beniers and Kaapo Kakko’s chemistry, Joey Daccord’s stellar goaltending, and the development of young players provide reasons for optimism. As the team continues to grow under Dan Bylsma, the Kraken are building a foundation that could soon make them a force in the NHL. For now, the focus is on patience and progress, with an eye toward a brighter future in the Pacific Northwest.