The Seattle Kraken’s season has had its ups and downs, but Vince Dunn’s return from injury has been nothing short of transformative. Since rejoining the lineup, the Kraken have faced a daunting schedule against top-tier opponents and emerged with a respectable 3-2-1 record. Even in their losses, the team has displayed a level of balance and composure that was sorely missed during Dunn’s absence.
A stabilizing force on the blue line
Dunn’s impact goes beyond the box score. His return allows the Kraken to roll out their preferred defensive pairings, with Adam Larsson reuniting alongside him on the top pair. This stability trickles down: Jamie Oleksiak and Brandon Montour form a robust second duo, while Ryker Evans finds his groove with Will Borgen on the third pair. With the defense set, the Kraken no longer look confused or out of place, a noticeable difference from earlier this season.
The numbers back up Dunn’s value. In six games since his return, he’s recorded two goals and four assists, contributing to a +3 rating. His standout performance came in a 5-2 win over the New York Islanders, where he notched a goal and two assists, including a key setup on the power play. His 22:02 average time on ice is a testament to the trust head coach Dan Bylsma places in him.
The ripple effect
Dunn’s presence doesn’t just elevate the defense—it makes the entire team better. His ability to transition the puck out of the defensive zone with precision helps the Kraken generate cleaner entries and sustained offensive pressure. In a 4-2 win over Carolina, his puck movement was pivotal in stifling one of the league’s best forechecking teams.
Moreover, Dunn’s confidence on the power play adds another dimension to the Kraken’s attack. While he hasn’t scored a power-play goal since his return, his role as a facilitator has been critical in breaking down opposing penalty kills.
A well-balanced machine
With Dunn in the lineup, the Kraken don’t just compete—they look like a well-oiled machine. Whether it’s shutting down Florida’s high-flying offense or pushing the New Jersey Devils to the brink in a tight loss, the team’s structure has vastly improved. The intangibles—poise, confidence, and balance—are evident every time Dunn takes the ice.
As the Kraken continue their season, one thing is clear: Vince Dunn’s talent is un-Dunn-iable. He’s not just a key piece of the puzzle—he’s the linchpin that makes everything else click.