Seattle Kraken Preview 2021
In our Seattle Kraken preview 2021 - 22 there is, of course, no history to speak of? The big question is will the very generous NHL expansion draft result in the Kraken following in the blades of the Vegas Golden Knights? Four years ago, the fledgling Knights, if you remember, went all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals where they lost to the Washington Capitals. Or will Seattle take the normal expansion path, which is a season where they lose more games than they win, finishing dead last, and positioning themselves upfront for the next NHL Draft?
Kraken - Key Skaters
We think the Kraken possess a lot of scoring potential. Included are centers Yanni Gourde, Jared McCann, and Alex Wennberg. Plus, on the left there’s Brandon Tanev and Jaden Schwartz and on the right Joonas Donskoi and Jordan Eberle. However, defense is another question. Our Seattle Kraken preview 2021 - 22 finds that if this team is going to compete, they will need players like Mark Giordano and Vince Dunn to step up and win games with goals while shutting down opponent offenses.
Seattle Kraken Preview 2021 – Goaltending
Former Washington/Colorado netminder Philipp Grubauer, a 10-year vet, and former Ottawa goalie Chris Driedger, now in his sixth year, will need to be on their games if Seattle is going to have any success. As noted, the defense looks weak, and premium tending will be needed. Grubauer, can be lights out and Driedger, is a decent backup. There’s hope here.
Seattle Kraken Preview 2021 – Final Word
Our Seattle Kraken preview 2021 - 22 notes that head coach Dave Hakstol (134-101-42) comes to this team after three-plus years at the Helm of the Flyers. That’s Hakstol’s NHL head-coaching resume, a three-year plus-change stint with Philadelphia with two first round playoff exits and a firing during the 2018-19 season. Prior to coming to the NHL, Hakstol spent four seasons coaching in the USHL with the Sioux City Musketeers and 11 years behind the bench at North Dakota. Here’s his second NHL chance. He’s got a decent team. Let’s see what he can do.
NHL Pacific Division - Seattle Kraken Projection 2021
Finish: 5th
No Playoff Appearance