5 key players for Seattle Kraken’s inaugural season
The Seattle Kraken’s first NHL regular season is almost here.
The Kraken will open with an extended road trip, starting at Vegas on Oct. 12, before returning to play at Climate Pledge Arena for the first time on Oct. 23. Throughout training camp and six preseason games, Seattle has been assembling the right pieces to make up its 23-man game roster.
When the season gets underway, here are five players that could make a significant impact.
Yanni Gourde
Gourde had shoulder surgery in July, and the original timeline had him returning in December. But after starting training camp in a red no-contact jersey, Gourde took the ice in what he referred to as a light blue “half-contact” jersey on Monday. By Thursday, he was a full participant in practice and taking hits. Head coach Dave Hakstol said after practice that he is likely to travel with the group on their first road trip. Whenever he returns — and Seattle certainly hopes it sooner rather than later — Gourde will be a welcome addition. He projects as the No. 1 or No. 2 center, and the Kraken could use his scoring. A key piece of Tampa Bay’s Stanley Cup teams, Gourde finished the 2020-21 season with 17 goals and 36 points in 56 games. He had six goals and one assist in the playoffs. In 2019-20, Gourde had 10 goals and 30 points in 70 regular-season games.
Philipp Grubauer
Assumed No. 1 goalie Philipp Grubauer wrapped up the preseason with an exceptional performance against Vancouver where he had 38 saves in a 4-0 shutout. Last season with Colorado, he went 30-9-1 and led the league with a 1.95 goals-against average. A finalist for the Vezina Trophy as the best goaltender in the NHL last season, Grubauer signed with the Kraken in July. Before the addition of Grubauer, Chris Driedger — an expansion draft pick from Florida — seemed like a lock to become Seattle’s top goaltender. Now, the two will create a formidable tandem — one that can provide stability for a Kraken roster still learning to play together.
Vince Dunn
If you’re looking for a breakout candidate, look no further than defenseman Vince Dunn. Dunn scored three goals in his final two preseason games, including two in the win over Vancouver on Tuesday. “His shot’s a great shot,” said fellow defenseman Mark Giordano. “It’s one of the better shots I’ve seen, especially on the power play. He’s not overthinking it. He’s making smart, easy plays. He’s been really good, especially the last couple of games. You can tell when his confidence and instincts start to take over.’’ In four seasons with the St. Louis Blues, Dunn averaged 0.38 points per game over 267 career games in four seasons. He could provide the Kraken with some much-needed scoring from the blue line.
Jared McCann
McCann centered the most consistent line of the preseason with wingers Jaden Schwartz and Jordan Eberle. His arrival in Seattle gave the Kraken a top-six forward, and he’s more than lived up the billing so far. In a preseason win over the Oilers, McCann scored the game-winning goal in overtime after Schwartz tied the game at the end of regulation. Eventually, Gourde will return and then head coach Dave Hakstol will have some decisions to make. Until then, McCann has been a solid option as the No.1 center.
Mark Giordano
Giordano brings a sturdy, veteran presence to the Kraken. Giordano, 38, averaged more than 22 minutes a game for Calgary in 2020-21. He also finished with nine goals and 26 points in 56 games to lead all Flames defensemen. Giordano, who served as Calgary’s captain for eight straight seasons, also led the team in blocks with 110. He won the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award in 2019-20. While Giordano’s play as a top defenseman will be important, his contributions off the ice will be just as vital to a new team. Hakstol and general manager Ron Francis have discussed naming a captain, but haven’t yet made a decision. Giordano would surely be a front-runner for the role.
This story was originally published October 8, 2021 at 6:00 AM.
