The preseason is officially in the books, and Opening Night is practically here. It’s the best time of year—hope is high, the standings are clean, and nobody’s been mathematically eliminated yet. The Seattle Kraken come into this season looking to bounce back, clean up their defensive play, and maybe (just maybe) surprise a few of those national pundits who’ve already written them off. But as always with this team, there are plenty of storylines to watch.
Here are 10 questions we’re asking as the Kraken dive into the 2025-26 campaign.
How many games does Berkly Catton get this season?
Berkly’s made the roster—for now—which was almost expected after his strong camp and preseason. The real question is whether he sticks around past the nine-game mark that would burn a year of his entry-level contract. Does he earn a full-time NHL spot at 19 or head back to Spokane for more seasoning? Either way, it will be fascinating to see how long he stays with the big-league team. He’s been practicing as an extra the last few days, so we’re guessing his NHL debut will have to wait beyond Thursday’s game against Anaheim.
How does Lane Lambert’s system impact the goals against?
The 2024-25 Kraken were not exactly defensive stalwarts, allowing 3.2 goals per game—24th in the NHL. Compare that to 2.83 in 2023-24 (eighth-best), and you see how much they regressed. Enter Lane Lambert, known for his structure and defensive discipline. If the team buys in, the Kraken could tighten things up significantly, which is essential if they want to hang around the playoff race.
How do they manage the goalies?
The Kraken are rolling with three goaltenders to start the season, which is… unconventional. With a jam-packed October, it makes some sense, but come November, things lighten up. Joey Daccord was probably overworked last season, so finding a better rotation will be key. How Lambert and company juggle this trio, while keeping everyone sharp, will be one of the early season intriguing storylines.
The Seattle Kraken are one of six teams currently carrying three goalies to start the season.
— NHLtoSeattle (@nhltoseattle.bsky.social) October 7, 2025 at 8:37 AM
What kind of year does Matty Beniers have?
Matty hasn’t quite matched his rookie production since that stellar debut season. He scored 20 goals last year, respectable but a step back from the 24 he netted as a rookie. With Kaapo Kakko sidelined early, Beniers will need to drive more offense on his own. He’s still young and plenty talented, but this could be the year that defines what kind of player he’s going to be long-term. He’s been skating on a familiar line with Jared McCann and Jordan Eberle lately.
What changes are going to be made to the pregame show?
Alright, this one’s for the in-arena diehards. After more than 150 games at Climate Pledge Arena, I still make it a point to catch the full pregame show—and every season it gets a refresh. The Kraken’s production crew always finds new ways to top themselves. What surprises are they cooking up this time?
Who re-signs and who moves on?
The answer to this question probably depends on whether the Kraken are still in the playoff hunt come late February. Four key forwards—Jaden Schwartz, Jordan Eberle, Eeli Tolvanen, and newcomer Mason Marchment—are all on expiring deals. That group combined for 80 goals last year. Expect at least one or two to be re-signed, but the rest could be valuable trade chips if the postseason looks out of reach.
Does Jared McCann bounce back?
McCann’s 22 goals last year weren’t bad, but they were his fewest as a Kraken in any single season. He played through an injury that required offseason surgery, which likely explains some of the dip and may have been related to him missing a good chunk of training camp. Don’t expect another 40-goal explosion like 2022–23, but a healthy McCann hitting 30 again feels realistic, and it would go a long way toward stabilizing the Kraken’s scoring.
How do the Kraken control zone entries against?
One of last season’s biggest frustrations was how easily opponents gained the Kraken’s defensive zone. Too many clean entries led to too much time defending—and too many goals against. This issue was glaring on the penalty kill, where Seattle often looked a step slow. Lambert’s emphasis on structure should help here, but it’s going to take commitment from all five skaters.
Who plays in the Olympics from the Kraken?
Philipp Grubauer (Germany) and prospect Oscar Fisker Mølgaard (Denmark) are the only real locks for February’s Olympic tournament. Kaapo Kakko has a solid shot at making Finland’s roster (though his broken hand doesn’t help those chances), while Eeli Tolvanen could sneak in with other injuries to Finland’s roster. Brandon Montour (Canada) and Joey Daccord (USA) are in the extended pools, but both would need blistering starts to the season to make the final cut.
Will we get a return of Seattle Kraken depth scoring?
In 2022-23, the Kraken could roll four lines that could all hurt you. That team had 13 players with double-digit goals and one of the most balanced attacks in hockey. Over the last two seasons, that spark faded. This season, with new additions Frederick Gaudreau and Mason Marchment plus rookies Jani Nyman and Berkly Catton, Seattle is hoping to bring back that “anyone can score” identity. Can they rediscover that magic? We’ll find out soon enough.
Wrapping it up
Every season brings its fair share of questions, but this one feels especially juicy. Between a new coach, a hungry young core, and a few “prove-it” veterans, the Kraken are a fascinating team heading into 2025-26. Whether they surprise people or struggle again, it’s bound to be an entertaining ride.
What about you? Any burning questions you have about this 2025-26 Seattle Kraken team?
Barring injuries I don’t think Catton goes beyond 9. They may do a bit of what they did with Shane and keep him around the team for an extended time but just playing every few games. I hope he lights it up like Matty did when he came out of Michigan and sticks but he still seems a bit raw.
I think they get below 2.9 goals per game assuming Joey stays healthy. That puts them in the middle of the pack and bolsters their playoff hopes at least a bit. The competition between Gru and Murray means we shouldn’t be saddled with a backup sporting a 3.5 GAA / .875 SV%.
I think Matty improves scoring a bit but I personally am expecting more of a step up from Shane who should get more ice time. Matty I say gets to 24 and Shane to 30. I think McCann gets back to 30+ too.
Seems very likely they go the same route they went with Wright, but I think Catton has a better chance to come back after the WJC.
With Schwartz, Marchment and Tolvanen all likely trade candidates in the last year of their deals, there’s going to be open spots for Catton to actually play unlike when when Shane was clearly behind 4 centers on the depth chart.
I don’t think Catton is going back to Spokane. I think Nyman is going to be a regular, but I think they might go the route Anaheim did with Leo Carlsson his first season… pick his starts and get him into something around 50 games. Personally, I’d rather see him playing a few less games and playing with better talent around him. Given his size I also wouldn’t mind him having the option of physical training that he wouldn’t get playing every game in Spokane or – even if it were an option – Coachella.
I like the Leo Carlsson approach but until further notice, the priority should be winning. As long as playing Catton doesn’t significantly hurt your chances of winning, I am all for playing him. I just don’t know what the wholistic tradeoff of someone like Kartye being in the lineup over Catton.
Completely agree.
Kartye and Catton are very different players with very different roles. Kartye is a decent penalty killer/and player that uses his body/ fast on the for check. Catton is a skilled fast player who doesn’t have any of Kartye’s above noted qualities. I don’t want to see Catton taking Kartye’s spot on the 4th line and I also don’t feel that Kartye should be moved up to the third or second line, a position that Catton would be better suited for.
The question should not be why Kartye in in the lineup instead of Catton it should be why did they sign xxxxxx instead of keeping a spot for Catton….. that is if you want him playing.
I do feel that he’s being scratched (most likely) opening night has a lot to do with his poor performance during his last preseason game. Possibly a bit of a message that it isn’t going to get you ice time. Move your feet and stay out of the penalty box especially if you’re a young rookie who wants to make the team.
A 4th line has a roll and future first line players don’t usually fit in that roll very well.
I have a feeling they are sitting Catton just to let him watch a game from the box before being in one, especially since it’s the home opener. If it goes as planned, he will be chomping at the bit to do well when his turn comes up.
Wouldn’t be surprised if he plays Saturday so his rookie skate is at home.
The thing is… Beniers, Wright and Kartye all made their NHL debut on the road.
John Kartye had a very good game…..
The “Lane Lambert System” may reduce the goals against but it will certainly diminish the goals for. Kraken generated a lot of offensive production from their back end. Returning to the late Hakstol era without a commensurate improvement in the offensive capabilities of the forwards will result in late Hakstol era problems.
I agree that the LL system could reduce ‘goals for’, but this team is more offensively talented than any of Hakstol’s teams.
Shane W will establish himself as a bonafide top 6 this yr. I see him having a Tyler Seguin career – never a superstar, but a solid contributor.