What happened to Kraken legends of yesteryear?

Some of the players we’re about to talk about actually made their way onto the list of the greatest Kraken players of all time. While they may not have been the flashiest or most high-profile names, their contributions were crucial in shaping Seattle’s early identity. Many of these former Kraken helped us punch above our weight in those early seasons, and some even played key roles in the team’s first-ever playoff appearance. Now, we’re checking in on what they’ve been up to since leaving Seattle, as they continue their careers elsewhere in the league. Let's dive into how these former fan favorites are doing and whether any of them are still making waves in the NHL.

Mentoring the baby Sharks

Alexander Wennberg has embraced his role as a veteran leader on the rebuilding San Jose Sharks. Although he anchors the team's third line alongside younger talents like Ty Dellandrea and Danil Gushchin, his impact isn't just confined to five-on-five play. Wennberg continues to hold a key spot on the Sharks' top power play unit, bringing his experience and playmaking ability to the special teams unit.

While his primary role focuses on mentoring and providing defensive stability, Wennberg’s continued inclusion on the top power play shows that his offensive vision and leadership remain valued, even on a team in the midst of a rebuild. This season, he’s added two overtime game winners to his resume, highlighting his ability to step up when the pressure’s on, even if he’s not lighting up the scoreboard on a regular basis. So while the Sharks continue to rebuild, Wennberg is still a steady force, showing that even in a depth role, you can still make an impact—and occasionally save the day.

A former Kraken making waves

Morgan Geekie has carved out a meaningful role with the Boston Bruins since signing a two-year, $4 million contract in 2023. Given an expanded role compared to his time in Seattle, Geekie thrived in his first year, setting career highs in goals (17), assists (22), and points (39). Averaging over 15 minutes of ice time per game, his chemistry with linemates James van Riemsdyk and Trent Frederic was key to Boston’s depth scoring success.

This season, circumstances have shifted. Injuries and roster adjustments gave Geekie opportunities to move into Boston’s top six, skating alongside stars like David Pastrňák, Pavel Zacha, and Brad Marchand. However, his scoring touch has cooled, with just one goal and three assists through 15 games. As the Bruins struggle to an 8-9-3 record, signs of the roster’s age and wear are evident, culminating in the recent dismissal of their head coach.

For Geekie, this transition period may open new doors. At just $2 million per season, he’s a low-cost, high-upside player who could flourish under a new coaching system. Whether anchoring the middle six or stepping up to a more prominent role, Geekie has shown he can meet challenges head-on. While Boston retools, Geekie remains a bright spot in a team looking for answers.

From bottom six to brief spotlight

Ryan Donato’s tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks began much like it ended in Seattle—anchored in the bottom six, playing the reliable role of a secondary scorer capable of contributing 30 points a season. But this year, something clicked. Donato quickly found his scoring touch, lighting up the stat sheet with six goals and two assists over a seven-game stretch. The hot streak earned him a promotion to Chicago’s top line alongside phenom Connor Bedard.

Unfortunately, the magic didn’t last. Once elevated, Donato’s production cooled, and after a quieter stretch, he was moved back to his familiar bottom-six role. Still, he’s continued to make an impact, tallying eight goals and three assists in 16 games. One notable highlight came against his former team, the Kraken, when Donato scored Chicago’s lone goal in a tough road matchup.

Chicago, in full rebuild mode, continues to experiment with line combinations to find the perfect fit for Bedard. Donato’s versatility keeps him in the mix as a player who can adapt to different roles. Whether playing top-line minutes or providing depth scoring, he’s proving to be a smart value at $2 million per year. While he might not be the Blackhawks’ leading man, Donato knows how to deliver a memorable performance when the spotlight’s on.

Vancouver’s reliable enforcer

Carson Soucy is now a staple of Vancouver's defensive corps, playing on their second pairing. Signed for three years at $9.75 million, Soucy’s role is clear: block shots, throw hits, and be a physical force. Offensive flair? Not so much. He’s tallied just one point in 17 games this season.

Injuries have been a challenge for Soucy, too. He missed large chunks of last season, and while he’s solid when healthy, his impact remains underwhelming in Vancouver's bid to become a playoff contender. Kraken fans might miss his physicality, but they won’t be losing sleep over letting him go.

No ghosts of Kraken past

While a few former Kraken players have carved out respectable roles in their new homes, none are haunting Seattle for letting them go. Wennberg’s clutch moments are fun but infrequent. Geekie’s rise in Boston is impressive, but Seattle's depth remains intact. Donato and Soucy? Solid but not game-changing. The Kraken have moved on, and so have their former players. It’s safe to say there are no regrets in Seattle, just fond memories and a smile for the road.