Head coach Dan Bylsma has experimented this season with sitting some players to send a message, often seeing dividends when they return. Today, we’re focusing on the “third” line featuring Shane Wright, Oliver Bjorkstrand, and Eeli Tolvanen to see how this trio has jelled since Wright and Bjorkstrand were held out of the lineup for varying lengths of time. First, let’s look at each player individually.
Shane Wright
Earlier this season, we analyzed Shane Wright’s progression. At that time, Wright was doing the (W)right things but wasn’t putting up points, tallying just two through his first 10 games. Over the next few weeks, he still wasn’t producing, and his ice time dropped from 13:33 to a season-low 8:34 on Nov. 16.
Recognizing the need for a “reset,” Bylsma benched Wright for three games. The coach said this on Wright’s development: “He’s matured as a player over the last year and a half. But in training camp, he was playing his best hockey as a Kraken, and he just needed to reset and get focused on playing that way again.”
Since rejoining the lineup, Wright has been on fire, averaging a point per game with 12 points in his last 12 outings.
Oliver Bjorkstrand
Before Wright’s healthy scratching, Bjorkstrand faced a similar fate, being benched for one game against the Colorado Avalanche on Nov. 5. Bjorkstrand struggled offensively early in the season, posting just five points in 13 games. Upon returning to the lineup on Nov. 8, he has amassed 17 points (eight goals, nine assists) in 19 games. More notably, 13 of those points came in the last 12 games, coinciding with Wright’s return.
Oliver Bjorkstrand (Photo/Brian Liesse)
Bjorkstrand is now on pace for 28 goals, potentially tying his career best. There are two key takeaways from this pace:
In his previous 28-goal season with Columbus, Bjorkstrand averaged nearly 18 minutes of ice time per game. This season, he’s averaging just 15:27, highlighting his efficiency.
Most of his production has been at 5-on-5. Bjorkstrand has only five power-play points, accounting for 23 percent of his total, compared to 34 percent over the last two Kraken seasons. During his recent 12-game scoring burst, four of his 13 points came on the power play (31 percent).
Eeli Tolvanen
Like Bjorkstrand and Wright, Eeli Tolvanen faced early season struggles. Though he hasn’t watched a game from the press box, Tolvanen had only six points through Nov. 23. Since Wright’s return, Tolvanen has recorded nine points (three goals, six assists) in 12 games. With eight goals on the season, he’s on track for his first 20-goal campaign, a possible career high.
Eeli Tolvanen
Tolvanen has also seen a reduction in his ice time, averaging 13:34 per game—1:30 to 2:00 less than his average over the last two seasons. Despite this, he has still found success. He continues to contribute both offensively and defensively, maintaining his value on the ice.
Emergence of the third line
The Kraken coaching staff has experimented with different line combinations due to injuries, illnesses, and matchups. The Wright, Bjorkstrand, and Tolvanen line has now played together for 22 games, the second-most consistent line for Seattle this season. Per Moneypuck.com, they lead all Kraken forward lines with 4.15 goals per 60 minutes (minimum 50 minutes played). Defensively, they’ve been strong, allowing only three goals during those 22 games.
The most frequent line was Tye Kartye, Yanni Gourde, and Brandon Tanev, who played 26 games together but are currently split up as the Kraken search for a more sustained scoring threat.
5-on-5 play
Over the last 12 games, the Wright line has excelled at cycling the puck, forcing turnovers, and creating high-danger chances. All eight of their 5-on-5 goals during this stretch have come from the high slot or in front of the net.
Here are some example goals. From left to right: Bjorkstrand goal, Tolvanen goal, Wright goal.
These clips highlight the chemistry between the forwards and emphasize what coach Bylsma describes as “connected play.” Seven of their eight goals included either Wright, Bjorkstrand, or Tolvanen providing the primary assist. The lone exception was a deflection goal by Bjorkstrand off a Montour shot, but both Wright and Tolvanen were involved in winning the face-off and controlling the puck.
Power play
While this trio doesn’t play on the same power play unit, they’ve combined for 12 power-play points and seven goals during this span. Wright and Tolvanen, who both play on the second power play unit, continue to excel when on the ice together.
Ice time increasing
The trio’s success has resulted in increased ice time. Using Nov. 25 (Wright’s return from his “reset”) as the cutoff, here is each player’s average ice before Nov. 24, after Nov. 25, and an average of the last three games.
Will they stick together?
As this article was being written, news broke of the Kaapo Kakko trade, which could once again shuffle the lines. Injuries, game-day matchups, and roster changes ensure no line is ever truly set in stone. However, in the short term, the Wright, Bjorkstrand, and Tolvanen line has emerged as Seattle’s most productive combination. With all three on pace for career-best seasons, the hope is that this combination can stay intact and continue delivering results.
Despite their strong individual and collective performances over the last 12 games, the Kraken have gone just 5-6-1 during this stretch. For Seattle to find sustained success, they’ll need more consistent production from the rest of the lineup.
If you have any questions, thoughts, or suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments below or reach out to me on my socials. My handle is blaizg on multiple platforms.
Blaiz Grubic
Blaiz Grubic is a contributor at Sound Of Hockey. A passionate hockey fan and player for over 30 years, Blaiz grew up in the Pacific Northwest and is an alumni of Washington State University (Go Cougs!). When he’s not playing, watching, or writing about hockey, he enjoys quality time with his wife and daughter or getting out on a golf course for a quick round. Follow @blaizg on BlueSky or X.
Seattle Kraken defenseman Vince Dunn has been on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) since Oct. 17. During a Kraken Hockey Network broadcast on Nov. 8, general manager Ron Francis joined the pregame show and provided an update on Dunn’s recovery timeline.
GM Ron Francis just joined us on KHN pregame and told us that the hope is Vince Dunn can begin basic skating around Sunday but he’s likely three weeks away from returning. #SeaKraken
Three weeks is a long time in the NHL. If Dunn’s recovery stays on schedule, he could return around Nov. 29, when the Kraken travel to San Jose to face the Sharks or perhaps a few days later when the Kraken head out on their East Coast road trip. Encouragingly, Dunn has joined the team on its current Southern California road trip to participate in practices.
Dan Bylsma says there’s news coming later today on Jordan Eberle.
While it’s not 100 percent clear when Dunn will return to game action, he seems to be inching closer—some time in the next week is a real possibility. The Kraken have upcoming games on Nov. 27, 29, and 30, then have a couple days off before heading to Carolina on Dec. 3.
Kraken without Vince Dunn
Dunn is in his fourth season with the Kraken, and as of Nov. 26 has missed 51 games and counting. The Kraken’s record during these 51 games is 16-31-4 for a .353 points percentage. Not good.
In the Kraken’s first three seasons, Dunn missed 33 games, and the Kraken had a record of 8-22-3 for a dismal points percentage of .288 in his absence. Looking at the last-place teams in the NHL standings over the last 10 years, only two teams had a lower points percentage during the course of a full season than what the Kraken have had with Dunn out of the lineup. The 2023-24 San Jose Sharks had a .287 points percentage, and the 2019-20 Detroit Red Wings managed a measly .275.
Data disclaimer
Most data below includes seasons where Dunn missed multiple games, specifically 2021-22, 2023-24, and the current 2024-25 season. Data from the 2022-23 season is excluded because Dunn played 81 games, missing only one. Interestingly, the Kraken won that game 4-1 against the now-defunct Arizona Coyotes. Coincidence or not, that season marked their best performance and only playoff appearance to date. Any references to 2022-23 data will be specifically noted.
Impact on goal scoring
Let’s examine how the Kraken’s goal production has fared with and without Dunn in the lineup.
The key takeaway from the chart is clear: the Kraken score more goals per game when Dunn is on the ice. As a puck-moving defenseman and a power play quarterback, Dunn significantly boosts offensive production. His ability to transition the puck and create scoring opportunities is difficult to replicate, so the drop in goal scoring during his absence is hardly surprising. It should be noted that Dunn has only played in four games during the 2024-25, so the five goals per game is not sustainable.
A defenseman of Dunn’s caliber isn’t easily replaced, and although Seattle added another puck mover in Brandon Montour in the offseason, these numbers underline just how valuable Dunn is to the Kraken’s success.
Boost to points percentage
What surprised me most was how consistently Dunn has elevated the Kraken’s points percentage—and how this impact has grown during his tenure in Seattle.
The Kraken take the ice
In their inaugural season, the difference in points percentage was .140. During that year, Dunn rotated through several defensive pairings, partnering with former Kraken defensemen Jeremy Lauzon, Carson Soucy, and Mark Giordano. However, he eventually found his ideal linemate: Adam Larsson. By season’s end, Dunn and Larsson had solidified a pairing that remains the Kraken’s defensive backbone.
The playoff year
Although not included in the chart above, the 2022-23 season offers compelling context. That year, the Kraken had their best season yet, finishing with a .610 points percentage and 100 points—good enough to make the playoffs. Two key factors underscore Dunn’s value during this standout season:
Durability and Performance: Dunn played a career-high 81 games, logging career bests in average ice time (23:40) and points (64).
Dominant Pairing: Dunn and Larsson spent an NHL-leading 1,369 minutes and 22 seconds together at 5-on-5 (per Natural Stat Trick). Their chemistry and consistency provided the foundation for the Kraken’s success.
A step back
In the 2023-24 season, the Kraken took a step back from their impressive 2022-23 campaign but still showed improvement over their inaugural year. Dunn missed 23 games—his highest total as a Kraken. The difference in points percentage between games with and without Dunn was a striking .264.
If you apply this delta to the games Dunn missed, the Kraken could have earned an additional 12 points, bringing their season total to 93 points. While that wouldn’t have been enough for a playoff spot last season, over the past 10 full NHL seasons, 93 points would have secured a postseason berth 60 percent of the time.
The current season
This season, Dunn has only played four games, so the data is limited. Still, the trend remains consistent: the points percentage delta with and without Dunn is .278.
Notably, the Kraken’s points percentage without Dunn sits at .472—while not playoff-caliber, it’s their best performance without him to date (excluding the one-game absence in 2022-23). This suggests the rest of the team is improving as well.
New defensemen in Seattle
The 2024-25 season brought changes to the Kraken’s defensive corps, with Montour joining the team and making an immediate impact. As of Nov. 26, Montour ranks second in the NHL for goals scored by defensemen with seven—trailing only the Colorado Avalanche’s Cale Makar (Booooo!). Montour has also tallied 15 points, putting him on pace for 58 this season, which would be the second-best mark of his career.
Injuries are always tough, but they create opportunities. Ryker Evans has stepped into Dunn’s spot alongside Adam Larsson and performed admirably. As of Nov. 26, the young blueliner has 13 points, ranking 22nd among NHL defensemen. 11 of those points have come at even strength, a promising sign, although he has just two points on the power play. While Evans is gaining valuable experience with the man advantage, expect Dunn and Montour to assume primary power play duties once Dunn returns.
Brandon Montour
Ryker Evans
Josh Mahura
Josh Mahura rounds out the new defensive additions. It took a few games for him and Will Borgen to build chemistry, but they’ve settled into a solid third-pairing duo. While plus/minus isn’t always a reliable stat, Mahura’s +1 rating reflects steady performance. The coaching staff has managed Mahura’s matchups carefully, deploying him on-the-fly for a team-high 69.1 percent of his shifts and minimizing his defensive-zone starts with just 4.2 percent—the lowest on the team (per MoneyPuck).
Once Dunn returns, the Kraken will boast three defensive pairings capable of contributing offensively. Mahura will likely be the odd man out with Evans moving back to the third pairing with Borgen. However, having two elite puck-moving defensemen in Dunn and Montour will pose a formidable challenge for opponents. This could be the key to unlocking the Kraken’s offensive potential.
Dunn’s return
As Dunn inches closer to returning, the Kraken eagerly await his impact. Currently sitting just one point out of a wild card spot, his presence could be the boost they need. On average, during Dunn’s tenure in Seattle, the Kraken have seen a .172 increase in points percentage and an additional 0.82 goals scored per game when he’s in the lineup. These numbers, based on 51 missed games, accent his critical role.
Of course, other factors influence these outcomes—trade deadlines, opponent quality, and other player injuries all play a part. While it’s unrealistic to expect the Kraken to fully realize that .172 points percentage increase, Dunn’s return could still tip the scales. If he stays healthy, a playoff berth is well within reach.
Have questions, thoughts, or suggestions? Drop them in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
Blaiz Grubic
Blaiz Grubic is a contributor at Sound Of Hockey. A passionate hockey fan and player for over 30 years, Blaiz grew up in the Pacific Northwest and is an alumni of Washington State University (Go Cougs!). When he’s not playing, watching, or writing about hockey, he enjoys quality time with his wife and daughter or getting out on a golf course for a quick round. Follow @blaizg on BlueSky or X.
Ding dong, Daniel Sprong is back in Seattle, or he will be as soon as his visa paperwork is processed. Sprong, a fan favorite in Seattle two seasons ago, scored 27 goals in 82 games for the Kraken, making his mark on the team’s offense.
But despite a career shooting percentage of 11.6 percent, Sprong has bounced around the NHL throughout his career, suiting up for six different teams. When it’s time for the Dutch winger to re-sign, teams—including the Kraken—have opted to let the sniper move on. The critique of Sprong’s game has always been his defensive play, or lack thereof. But he can score, and the Kraken know that finding consistent goal scorers in the NHL is no easy feat.
Sound Of Hockey’s own John Barr has already covered the salary cap implications in Monday Musings, so I won’t dive into that aspect here. Darren Brown also had a write-up following Sprong’s trade to Seattle. But I am curious to understand where he might fit into the lineup.
Ding Dong! Who’s there? The fourth line
Sprong was a key part of Seattle’s fourth line during the Kraken’s 2022-23 campaign. Rounding out the line were Ryan Donato and Morgan Geekie most nights, though others did rotate through. Despite bringing critical depth scoring, none of the three were re-signed after the 2022-23 season: Donato is now with the Chicago Blackhawks, and Geekie joined the Boston Bruins. While it might seem reasonable to assume Sprong will return to the fourth line, I have my doubts about whether that’s where he’ll ultimately play.
The 2024-25 edition of the fourth line consists of Brandon Tanev, Yanni Gourde, and Tye Kartye—all of whom excel on the defensive side of the ice. Tanev and Gourde are mainstays on the penalty-killing units, with Kartye often stepping in when one of the regular penalty killers is in the box. This defensive emphasis is what first raised my eyebrows about the idea of slotting Sprong into the fourth line, where the focus has shifted firmly to playing defense first.
Shift starts
With Sprong’s offense-first reputation, I took a closer look at how this season’s fourth-line trio—Kartye, Gourde, and Tanev—compares to the 2022-23 group of Donato, Geekie, and Sprong in terms of shift starts. All data in this article was gathered from MoneyPuck and is current as of Nov 13.
During the 2022-23 season, Sprong had a team-low 4.8 percent of his shifts start in the defensive zone. Overall, Donato, Geekie, and Sprong started only 7.3 percent of their 5v5 shifts in the defensive end. By contrast, this season’s fourth line of Tanev, Gourde, and Kartye has defensive-zone starts at 12.8 percent, jumping to 18.1 percent when factoring in all situations.
Neutral-zone starts can be murky to analyze since these face-offs can occur at center ice or near the blue lines, with four of the five dots being close to either the offensive or defensive zones, but still being considered neutral zone. This season’s fourth line starts 21.3 percent of shifts in the neutral zone, compared to 15.4 percent for Sprong’s line.
These percentages may seem small, but that’s due to hockey’s game flow. Roughly 50 to 60 percent of shifts start on the fly (meaning during play), while the rest begin with face-offs in the offensive, neutral, or defensive zones. When a player’s on-the-fly percentage is over 60 percent, it suggests the coaching staff is managing their minutes to control the situations they play in.
In this regard, Kartye, Gourde, and Tanev fall within the typical 50-to-60-percent range, with 56.6 percent of shifts starting on the fly. In contrast, Donato, Geekie, and Sprong had 64.1 percent of shifts starting on the fly; that’s the highest of any Kraken forward line, indicating that former coach Dave Hakstol was shielding their play to specific scenarios.
Third line
We’re still early in the season, and head coach Dan Bylsma continues to tweak the lines. However, one line stands out with a similar zone start profile to Sprong’s fourth line: the third line, currently featuring Andre Burakovsky, Shane Wright, and Eeli Tolvanen.
Burakovsky has moved around lines this season, currently starting 13.2 percent of his shifts in the defensive zone, which pulls up the line’s overall defensive-zone start average. In comparison, Wright and Tolvanen each start 9.6 percent of their shifts in the defensive zone. Both these lines have over 60 percent of shifts starting on the fly, feature the lowest defensive-zone deployment rates for their respective seasons, and show similar usage in offensive and neutral zones. This sheltered usage and shift-deployment model aligns with where the Kraken have seen Sprong succeed and could offer him the easiest path to playing time.
Adding a new player to the lineup always creates competition, meaning someone will have to sit or even be offloaded from the roster if everyone remains healthy when Vince Dunn returns from his stint on long-term injured reserve. The coaching staff has shown it won’t hesitate to scratch big-name players to make a point, as was recently done with Oliver Bjorkstrand.
Where will Sprong go?
We’ll see how this unfolds in the coming days and weeks. For now, Sprong is set to join the Kraken, and if he can replicate his scoring touch from his last stint in Seattle, there will be some tough decisions ahead for general manager Ron Francis as he works to keep the team under the salary cap. If Sprong doesn’t work out, he could be waived and potentially sent down to the AHL.
Where do you see Sprong slotting into the Kraken lineup? Who do you think will sit to make room for Sprong? Let me know in the comments below.
Blaiz Grubic
Blaiz Grubic is a contributor at Sound Of Hockey. A passionate hockey fan and player for over 30 years, Blaiz grew up in the Pacific Northwest and is an alumni of Washington State University (Go Cougs!). When he’s not playing, watching, or writing about hockey, he enjoys quality time with his wife and daughter or getting out on a golf course for a quick round. Follow @blaizg on BlueSky or X.
*Editor’s note: This is not a new article. This is the same seating guide that was published in December, 2023, but it has been updated with some new information for the 2024-25 season.
The admittedly biased answer to the question of where to sit at Climate Pledge Arena (CPA) is section 3, row L, seats 1-2—my season seats! But the real answer is that there isn’t a bad seat in the house. No matter where you’re seated in CPA, you’ll have a great view of the ice and a fantastic game experience.
For the 2024-25 season, we’ve refreshed this guide with the following updates:
Updated ticket pricing to reflect standard admission rates.
Added a Tips and tricks section, featuring discounted student tickets and a bathroom line navigation hack.
The King 5 broadcast desk has a new home in the Space Needle Lounge.
The Red Alert band has been dissolved, and references to the band have been removed.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through each major section in CPA, highlighting the pros and cons of each area to help you find your perfect seat.
How to use the Kraken seating guide:
If you’re unsure where to begin when choosing your seats, you’re in the right place! The Kraken seating guide below will help you find your ideal spot. Use the table below, and click the link in each area for an overview of each section.
Consider these key factors as you choose:
Budget
End seats vs. side seats (do you prefer being behind the net or seeing the action from the sides?)
Proximity to the action vs. full-ice perspective
Section benefits and amenities
Reviewing each of these factors will help you zero in on the sections that best suit you and your group for an unforgettable game experience.
Budget
Ticket prices at CPA vary widely, with face-value seats starting around $50 and going up to $750. This Kraken seating guide breaks down seating into approximate price ranges, with most options falling between $100 and $250. These prices reflect standard admission rates, as resale prices fluctuate based on factors like team performance, the opponent, and the game night. Typically, expect lower prices for a Tuesday game against a struggling opponent and higher prices for a Saturday night matchup against a top team or Original Six team.
End seats vs. side seats
As in any sport, seats closer to center-ice (field, court, or pitch) tend to be the most desirable. In hockey, protective netting behind each goal keeps those powerful slap shots from hitting fans. When sitting at the ends of the ice, you’ll be viewing through this netting, which, while noticeable at first, often fades from perception during the game. Along the sides of the ice, you’ll have an unobstructed view, as no netting is present. Watching from the sides offers a left-to-right view of the action, while end seating provides an up-and-down perspective. Keep in mind that when sitting at the ends, the action feels distant when at the opposite end but intensely close when in front of you.
Proximity to the action vs. full-ice perspective
This choice comes down to personal preference. Sitting higher up gives you a view of the entire rink, making it easier to see plays and strategies unfold. Being closer to the ice immerses you in the speed and intensity of the game as players battle it out near your seat. Both options are exciting, but for newcomers, sitting higher can offer a broader perspective and better understanding of the game—and usually at a lower price.
Benefits and amenities
Most amenities are available in the club sections. Club seats feature options like exclusive food, club-specific restrooms, mixed drinks in your seat, and private entrances to CPA. The private club restrooms are a notable perk, as restroom lines outside the club areas are generally longer, especially during intermissions.
Going to your first game?
If this is your first game, you can’t go wrong with any seat—just choose a spot within your budget and get ready to enjoy the experience. I recommend arriving about an hour early to check out the team store and watch the warmups. Take a stroll through a few sections you might consider for future games to get a sense of how they compare to your seats.
If you’re reading this seating guide, you might also be a new fan of the Seattle Kraken. Sound Of Hockey has you covered with our Seattle Kraken: New fan’s guide – 2024 edition, helping you get up to speed on your new favorite team and sport.
Just want a quick Kraken seating recommendation?
Just get me in the building?
Opt for the 200 Level. Aim for sections opposite the press box—like 224, 225, 226, 201, 202, 203, and 204—rather than 211-217. In the higher rows (H and above) of 211-217, the “Twins” (dual scoreboards) are obstructed by the pressbox. Although there are TV screens for provided for these rows, seeing the scoreboards is part of the experience.
Best mix of value and views? There are a few great options
Kraken-shoot-twice sections in red, Visitor side (Kraken-shoot-once) sections in black
00 Lower Bowl
All lower bowl sections at CPA are numbered 1-26. Entrance to CPA is on the upper level, with an escalator ride down to the lower bowl, which is considered the main concourse (LL2). This level includes The Lair (team store) and the Living Wall. Sections 3-12 are on the Kraken’s offensive side, where they shoot twice per game, while sections 16-25 are on the visitor’s side, where the Kraken-shoot-once. The arena has two club areas: the Symetra Club (sections 26, 1, 2) and the WaFd Club (sections 13-15).
These sections sit right on the face-off dot within the offensive zone and are the only non-club, Kraken-shoot-twice sections in front of the goal line. Positioned as close to the club areas as possible without being in them, they provide a fantastic view. A railing separates these sections from the club seats on the side closer to center ice, making it impossible for people to enter or exit from that side—a benefit for those seated along the railing, as they won’t be interrupted during the game. Sections 16 and 25, on the visitor-shoot-twice side, mirror sections 3 and 12.
View from “Kraken-shoot-twice – corners” section (Photo/Brian Liesse)
The corners are rumored to be a favored vantage point for hockey scouts evaluating minor and junior players. While the Kraken-shoot-twice end is viewed through protective netting, the opposite end offers a mixed view. Seats in the first 10 rows are around $210-$240, providing a close-to-the-action experience. These corner sections offer a balanced blend of side and end perspectives. Sections 17, 19, 22, and 24 on the visitor-shoot-twice end mirror sections 4, 6, 9, and 11.
Unless you’re within a few rows of the glass, your view in these sections will always be through protective netting. Most seats are around $180, with row C (on the glass) closer to $285-$350, and rows D-J approximately $220-$240. Note that row C is the front row in these sections, offering direct glass access. It’s a popular spot to watch the visiting team warm up. If you arrive during warm-ups, feel free to join the crowd along the glass for a closer view, then settle into your seats once the crowd clears. Sections 20 and 21, on the visitor-shoot-twice end, mirror sections 7 and 8.
The top of most lower bowl sections features bar seats.
Pros:
These seats offer a great view of the ice at the lowest price in the lower bowl.
The elevated bar stools have seat backs and are not connected to the floor, so you can stand during the game if you prefer.
A small table in front of you provides space for food and drinks.
Cons:
You won’t have a view of the Twins (dual scoreboards), but there are TV screens mounted for viewing replays. Some extra stats on the Twins aren’t shown on the TVs, but it doesn’t not take away from the enjoyment of the game.
Your view may be blocked if the people in front of you stand during an exciting moment, though most fans remain seated during the game.
Getting in and out of these seats can be a little awkward, but it’s manageable.
Both Symetra Club and WaFd Club offer similar experiences, located on opposite sides of the ice. Symetra Club is on the same side as the player benches, while WaFd Club is on the penalty box side.
Buying club seats is about two things: premium seats and added benefits. Located between the face-off dots, with the most expensive seats at center ice, they provide an unimpeded view of the game without the need to look through protective netting.
Each club has its own private area with exclusive food and drink options, as well as bathrooms reserved for club ticket holders. Additional perks include the ability to have mixed drinks in your seat, coat check, larger, more cushioned seats, and occasionally a free appetizer spread. There are also a limited number of bar seats in the club sections (sections 1, 15, 26), which offer the same benefits and are priced around $195. For more on bar seat experiences, see the lower bowl section.
Pros:
Premium seat views and exclusive benefits.
The Yeet the Fish tradition, where plush fish are thrown into the stands after Kraken wins, typically end up in lub sections since there is no protective netting.
Season ticket holders get a 25 percent discount on concessions.
Cons:
Expensive pricing.
Access to the club areas requires scanning your ticket each time you enter, meaning your friends without club tickets are not allowed to join you in the club area.
The Loge Level is located at street level, meaning when you enter CPA, you’ll already be on the correct level. Sections numbered in the 100s are considered the Loge Level. The following sections are included in this area:
101-104, 111-114 – Kraken-shoot-twice side, sections range from center-ice to the corners.
115-117, 124-126 – Visiting team side, sections range from center-ice to the corners.
105-110 – Kraken-shoot-twice end of the ice.
118-123 – AMEX Club, visiting team end of the ice.
The Loge Level provides excellent views of the entire ice surface from any seat. With a steeper sightline compared to the lower bowl, you’re able to get a good perspective of the action. However, if you find yourself behind a taller person, it can be challenging to see clearly. Overall, these seats offer great sight lines for an immersive experience.
These seats run along the sides of the ice and are not obstructed by the protective netting. Pricing is comparable to lower bowl seating. Row A ensures you have an unobstructed view, although a metal-topped protective glass barrier might slightly interfere with your sightline. Being higher up, these seats offer a broader perspective of the game, allowing you to see plays develop more clearly. However, they feel a bit farther from the ice compared to the lower bowl.
Pros:
Great views of the ice to see plays development.
Easy access from CPA entry points, allowing for a quick exit after the game.
Cons:
Pricing is similar to lower bowl seats, so not much of a discount.
The concourse can feel narrow and congested during intermissions, as it serves both the 100 and 200 Levels.
Bathroom lines can be long, contributing to the congestion.
The steeper sight lines may result in people blocking your view if they lean forward, so don’t be surprised (or offended) if someone asks you to lean back.
Bar seats (~$130):
Bar seats on the Loge Level offer a full view of the Twins and a great perspective of the ice. However, the narrow walkway (~four feet) behind these seats means you’ll experience people walking behind you during the game.
These seats offer great value while still providing an exceptional view of the ice. If you’re familiar with the EA Sports NHL video game series, the view here is similar to the classic up/down perspective. The sections span both the 100 and 200 Levels. There are three price points in this section: Row A (~$150-$200), middle rows (B-H, ~$110-$125), and upper rows (J-P, ~$85-$95). For reference, row H aligns with row A of the 200 Level.
All views from these sections are through the protective netting.
Pros:
There is not a bad seat in this area, and these seats deliver on value and view.
Easy access to the Alaska Airlines Atrium, making it simple to get in and out of CPA.
Cons:
The seating is at the same level as the Twins, so you may occasionally find yourself watching the game on the Twins if you are not paying attention.
Food and drink options are limited to small stands, and lines can get long.
Bathroom lines can be an issue in this section as well.
Despite being in the 100s, many of the seats are at the same height as the 200 Level.
These seats are a mirror of the Loge Level Kraken-shoot-twice end of the ice seats (Sections 105-110), with a few notable differences:
Located on the visitor-shoot-twice end of the ice
Sections extend lower than the Loge Level, with row A in line with the suite level
Rows A-C offer larger seats similar to the Symetra/WaFd Club seats
Row F is in line with Loge Level row A; row N is in line with 200 Level row A
Private entrance for AMEX Club members
Access to the AMEX Club, from other parts of the arena, is via the suite level
Private food and drink options available
Private bathrooms for club members
This section is all about the extra perks balanced with the cost. The height in this section ranges from as low as the suite level to as high as the 200 Level, offering three price points:
Row A-C (~$220-$250)
Middle rows (D-P, ~$160-$195)
Upper rows (Q-V, ~$130-$150)
Pros:
Extra benefits over regular seats, including private food and drink options.
Mixed drinks allowed in your seats.
Private bathrooms and a private entrance for club members.
Cons:
Price can be steep for the additional perks.
While getting to the main sections of CPA is not difficult, being located on the suite level can create some separation from the rest of the arena, which can make it a little harder to get to other areas of the arena.
The 200 Level sections run along the sides of the ice. Sections 201-204 and 224-226 are on the players’ bench side, while Sections 211-217 are on the same side as the penalty boxes and the press box. These sections offer the best value, providing a good view of the ice at a lower price point than other areas in the arena. Row A, being the front row, will be the most expensive (~$150-$170) in these sections.
It’s important to note that the higher seats on the press box side are positioned behind the press box. While you can see the full ice surface, you won’t have a clear view of the Twins (dual scoreboards). Instead, you’ll see TV screens mounted on the back of the press box.
The 200 Level offers an excellent vantage point to watch the game, with views that allow you to follow the play as it develops. Access to this level is the same as where you enter CPA. Like the Loge Level, you may encounter some congestion in the concourse and bathrooms during intermissions. If it’s your first time at CPA or you’ve never explored the main level (lower bowl), be sure to take a walk down to see The Lair (team store) and Living Wall.
The 200 Level offers upper-deck seats with a full view of the ice. Sections 201-204 are located on the Kraken-shoot-twice side, while Sections 224-226 are on the visitor-shoot-twice side.
Pros:
Great value with excellent views at the lowest price.
Seats are near the entry points, making it easy to exit CPA quickly before the fans in the lower bowl have time to take the escalator back to the street level.
Full view of the Twins (dual scoreboards).
Cons:
Hallways can get congested, and bathroom lines are often long.
Steep sight lines can be challenging; people leaning forward or tall individuals may block your view, though you can usually shift left or right in your seat to find a clearer view.
These sections mirror the 200 Level players’ bench side but with a key difference: Rows F and above are positioned behind the press box, which blocks the view of the Twins (dual scoreboards). To address this, TV screens are installed so you can still see what’s displayed on the Twins, similar to the bar seats in the lower bowl.
You’ll have an unobstructed view of the ice without the protective netting in your line of sight for the entire game. However, the press box design does slightly muffle the arena’s sound, creating a subtle sense of separation from the crowd. Occasional movement in the press box gangway may also distract you from the game. If you prefer a view of the Twins, aim for rows A-E, which are below the press box.
Pros:
Cheapest seat option at CPA with a clear view of the ice.
Although not specifically designed for this, these sections are not as loud, so if crowd noise is a concern, this might be a section to try.
Cons:
Concourse congestion and long bathroom lines.
The press box can be a minor drawback if seated in row F and above, as it blocks the view of the Twins.
While CPA offers excellent views from nearly every seat, these seats rank lower in value due to their pricing. Originally, they were intended as 21+ seating with exclusive access to the Space Needle Lounge. However, now that the lounge is accessible to all fans, the premium pricing for upper-deck seats feels less justified. These sections sit above Sections 105-110 and can only be accessed through the Space Needle Lounge.
Pros:
Space Needle Lounge stays relatively empty during games, so it’s easy to grab a drink and enjoy it in your seat.
These seats flank “The Deck,” where in-game announcements and prize contests happen. Buoy, announcers, and occasional celebrities frequent The Deck, making it easier to get pictures and interact with them from here.
Bathrooms on the Space Needle Lounge level are easily accessible from these seats, allowing you to avoid long lines.
The King 5 Broadcast desk has a new home here, where you can watch Alison Lukan and Ian Furness during intermissions.
Offers a bird’s-eye view of the ice.
Cons:
The high price is steep for upper-deck seating, especially since the lounge, bathrooms, and broadcast desk are now open to all fans.
These seats are the ultimate experience for glass-level viewing. Accessed via elevators to the event level (LL4), Cove seating requires ticket holders to show their tickets when exiting the elevator, as this level also houses the players’ locker rooms. While there are no food vendors on this level, food and drinks can be ordered directly to your seat via mobile phone—a convenient perk that means you don’t have to leave your seat, even mid-period.
Buoy, the team mascot, often visits the Cove sections, making it easy to get a photo. These seats provide an up-close, intense view of the action at your end of the ice, but views of play at the opposite end are limited, often requiring you to check the Twins (dual scoreboards). However, the Twins are almost directly above, so you may need to crane your neck or look to the opposite side for a clearer view.
Cove seating locations
Cove 4 and 11 – On the Kraken-shoot-twice side. Cove 4 is beside the visiting team’s bench.
Cove 17 and 24 – On the visitor-shoot-twice side. Cove 24 is next to the Kraken bench, allowing views of players heading to their dressing room during intermission.
Cove seating overview
Each Cove has two rows: Row AA (~$530-$750) and row BB (~$430-$550). Row AA seats are on the glass, offering the closest proximity to the action. However, row BB, can give you a hard time viewing the ice, as the seats are usually not elevated, so you are looking through people in row AA. There is an exception to this in Cove 11, where row BB seats 1-10 are elevated.
Pros:
Unmatched view of the action directly in front of you—ideal for any hockey fan to try at least once in their lifetime.
Food delivery directly to your seat.
Best location to watch warm-ups and potentially catch a souvenir puck from players.
Cons:
Limited view of action at the far end of the ice.
Row BB can have obstructed sight lines from row AA.
If you’ve made it this far in the guide, you’ve probably noticed a trend: bathroom lines can get long in many sections. Here’s a tip I learned from an interview with the Seattle Kraken Ice Breakers: ice scrapes happen during TV timeouts, and there’s a set schedule for them. The first stoppage after the 14:00, 10:00, and 6:00 minute marks of the period gives you two minutes before play resumes—just enough time to sneak out for a quick bathroom break. For the full schedule details, check out the Ice Breakers interview.
Student Rush
The Seattle Kraken are working to make NHL hockey more accessible by offering last-minute tickets to students. Tickets cost $35 for upper bowl seats and $55 for lower bowl seats. To be eligible, you’ll need to register, and more information can be found on nhl.com.
Conclusion
My goal is to encourage fans to attend as many games as possible and feel confident about their seating choices. I hope this guide helps you find a seat you’ll truly enjoy. Having experienced each area firsthand, I can confirm—there’s no bad seat in the house!
November has arrived, marking time for an update on the Strive for 95 points target. The 95-point benchmark carries weight: over the last 10 full NHL seasons, teams reaching 95 points have qualified for the playoffs 80 percent of the time. With the Kraken aiming for a playoff return, we’ll track their journey to 95 points throughout the season. Alongside monitoring their standings, we at Sound Of Hockey have also sorted teams into three tiers: Playoff Bound, Bubble, and Tankers.
October harvest
The Kraken’s target for October was 12 points, and they came close with an even 5-5-1 record, securing 11 points. Here’s how they performed against each team tier:
Playoff Bound (0-4-1): This is the most concerning area, as the Kraken only managed to earn one point in five games against Playoff Bound teams. They scored just seven goals across these matchups.
Bubble (3-1-0): Securing six points against Bubble teams is a positive sign. The only loss came on Opening Day to the St. Louis Blues in a game that could have gone the Kraken’s way.
Tankers (2-0-0): These should be more straightforward games, and the Kraken delivered, outscoring this tier by a combined total of 10-3.
Goaltending
Both goalies have had solid starts to the season. Joey Daccord has been a standout at times, earning seven starts, while Philipp Grubauer, who has played four games, has also performed well. Daccord finished off October starting four straight games.
(#) number of games played
It’s worth noting that save percentage, while informative, doesn’t tell the whole story. Grubauer didn’t play against Tanker teams, where Daccord excelled. Grubauer faced an average of 24.25 shots per game, while Daccord faced 32.28, which affects their save percentages. Overall, both goalies played well, though Daccord, fresh off his five-year, $5 million extension, had the hotter hand in October.
Goal scoring
The Kraken have netted 36 goals this season, averaging 3.27 goals per game—a figure that looks promising at first glance. However, a closer look shows that 21 of those goals came in just three games against the Nashville Predators, Philadelphia Flyers, and Montreal Canadiens. This means the remaining eight games yielded only 15 goals, for an average of 1.88 goals per game. Finding a way to score more consistently will be key for the Kraken moving forward.
Team tiers – November
Each month, team tiers will be adjusted as the season unfolds. There will be movement between tiers, but with just one month into this young NHL season, no team’s fate is clear yet. For November, only one team has shifted tiers: the Philadelphia Flyers have dropped to the Tankers tier due to ongoing questions about goaltending.
Bolded = Teams Kraken Play, Starred(*) = moved tiers, “x2” = Kraken play twice
Current point percentages:
We’re also monitoring a few teams that could shift tiers but are staying put for now.
Calgary Flames – After a strong 4-0 start, the Kraken beat the Flames in OT. Calgary then finished the month 1-4-1. With their recent struggles, they remain in the Tankers tier.
Colorado Avalanche – They stumbled early, with Alexandar Georgiev posting a dismal .822 save percentage. Justus Annunen has stepped in, going 4-0 in his starts and helping to stabilize the team. With injuries piling up, however, they could drop to the Bubble tier if they can’t steady things in November.
Nashville Predators – Following the free agent signings of Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, the Predators have underperformed expectations, finishing October with just seven points. While they sit four points shy of a playoff spot, the situation is challenging but not yet dire.
Vegas Golden Knights – Vegas leads the league in goals scored with 50 through 11 games. However, I’m not fully convinced by this burst in scoring just yet, so I will consider November a prove-it month. If they continue to pile up the wins, moving to the Playoff Bound tier could be on the horizon for the Golden Knights.
November rain
With November rain also brings an easier schedule, and the Kraken will enjoy their longest home stand of the season with a six-game stretch in this month. First, they must finish their current road trip, with stops in Ottawa, Boston, and Colorado. After falling one point off the pace in October, their target for November is 18 points in 14 games. The Kraken will encounter two sets of back-to-back games—one at the start of the month and another at the end. Here’s the breakdown of tiers for this month.
Playoff Bound – The Kraken have three games against this tier, with a target of three points. Two of these matchups will occur during the first week of the month, with Seattle wrapping up its road trip against the Boston Bruins and the Colorado Avalanche. The final game against this tier will be against the New York Rangers during the Kraken’s home stand.
Bubble – The Ottawa Senators, Vegas Golden Knights, New York Islanders, Nashville Predators, and Los Angeles Kings comprise the five Bubble games this month. The target for the Kraken is six points.
Tankers – November presents the busiest month for the Tanker tier. The Kraken will play six games against four different teams, aiming for nine points to stay on pace, with the potential to get ahead. The teams include the Columbus Blue Jackets, Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks (two games), and San Jose Sharks (two games). The Kraken will close out the month with two sets of home-and-home games against the Ducks and Sharks.
With the first leg of back-to-back games starting in Ottawa on Saturday, expect to see Grubauer get the start in net, with Daccord taking the second leg of the back-to-back in his hometown of Boston on Nov. 3.
Wrapping up
Overall, the Kraken have had one of their best starts to the season. Only the 2022-23 season edged them out with 12 points compared to 11 points this season. They have shown solid goaltending and flashes of scoring, providing a strong foundation to build upon. The coaching staff continues to tweak the offensive lines to unlock their full potential, but only the top line of captain Jordan Eberle, Matty Beniers, and Jared McCann has found consistent success. Unlocking scoring threats in two more lines will be key to reaching the playoffs.
The Kraken have also had to contend with the injury of Vince Dunn, which can be read about on Sound Of Hockey by clicking here. Since Dunn was placed on long-term injured reserve, the Kraken have gone 2-3-1—not bad, but not great either—especially considering that four of those games were against the Playoff Bound tier. There is no word yet on a potential return date for Dunn, but the earliest he could return is for the Nov. 12 game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Vince Dunn
We will continue to track the Kraken’s progress monthly throughout the season. If you have any questions, thoughts, or suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments below or reach out to me on X @blaizg.
Blaiz Grubic
Blaiz Grubic is a contributor at Sound Of Hockey. A passionate hockey fan and player for over 30 years, Blaiz grew up in the Pacific Northwest and is an alumni of Washington State University (Go Cougs!). When he’s not playing, watching, or writing about hockey, he enjoys quality time with his wife and daughter or getting out on a golf course for a quick round. Follow @blaizg on BlueSky or X.
At just 20 years old, Shane Wright has earned a spot on the Seattle Kraken roster. The young center’s journey to the NHL has been anything but conventional, highlighted by his exceptional status in the OHL, a missed year due to the pandemic, and stints across the NHL, AHL, and OHL. You can read more about his unique development path on Sound Of Hockey by clicking here. Wright played his 25th NHL game on Oct. 26, facing the Carolina Hurricanes in a 4-1 loss, and now prepares to take on the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday. We at Sound Of Hockey thought this would be an ideal time to dive deeper into Wright’s game.
There’s a bit of history between Wright and the Montreal Canadiens. After all, the Canadiens passed on Wright with the first-overall pick, opting for Juraj Slafkovsky instead. Wright’s glare at Montreal’s front office during the draft remains memorable for fans and adds to the intrigue, though Wright maintains he wasn’t glaring at anyone, and this whole thing was a misunderstanding.
Was Shane Wright giving the Canadiens draft table the death stare after he ended up going 4th overall? 🤔 #NHLDraftpic.twitter.com/CMle2kVC9c
As if fate had a hand, Wright’s first NHL goal came against none other than Montreal.
Here's a better look at Shane Wright's first NHL goal. Great shot, great celly, and Gourde fishes it out of the net for him. #SeaKrakenpic.twitter.com/zg2lDjiPAr
Wright is a solid two-way center, effective on both ends of the ice, though he’s often praised more for his offensive potential. Let’s start by taking a look at his work on the defensive side of the puck.
Defensive diligence
Selected fourth overall in 2022, Wright has shown he’s not afraid to sacrifice his body, with a particular talent for blocking shots. Remarkably, entering this season, Wright led all Kraken forwards with 4.1 blocks per 60 minutes over the past two seasons, despite his limited sample size of just 16 total games (eight games per season). His shot-blocking tendencies date back to his time in both the OHL and AHL, where he consistently positioned himself between the shooter and the net.
Though he’s unlikely to lead in this area as his offensive role expands, his willingness to block shots will garner support from fans and earn him respect in the locker room.
Wright’s defensive skill set extends beyond blocking shots; he’s also consistently sound in positioning. Without the puck in the offensive zone, he applies controlled pressure, aiming to create turnovers without being overly aggressive. His strategy is to disrupt passing lanes and guide play toward his teammates. In this clip, as the puck changes hands, you can see Wright leave his net-front position, cut off the central passing lane, and steer the play up the boards towards his Firebirds defensemen.
In the defensive zone, Wright is mobile and typically takes up position in the high slot—protecting the area in front of the net and between the face-off dots—but he’ll also shift to the corners, behind the net, or up to the point, as the play demands. He pressures puck carriers while using his body to block passing lanes and shots.
Offensive prowess
During the 2023-24 season with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, Wright scored 47 points (22 goals, 25 assists), leading all AHL players under 20 in scoring.
Positionally, Wright is a prototypical center. He’s unafraid to crash the net and score gritty, close-range goals. Constantly moving and working to get open, he’s primed for one-timers, as seen with his first NHL goal. When he has the puck in the offensive zone, his first instinct is to put it on net and make something happen. Wright’s wrist shot is elite, and he uses it effectively in transition and on the power play.
Wright’s goals typically come in two forms: either from net-front positioning or a sharp wrist shot. Here are some highlights from his season with Coachella Valley.
These highlights give a clear sense of the goals fans can expect from Wright as he develops further. He’ll find open space and finish the shot; if that doesn’t work, he’s ready to pounce on rebounds.
Below are two plays showing Wright’s determination to drive the puck into high-danger areas—where he thrives. The first video showcases Wright diving for a puck and scoring from beyond the goal line. The second video highlights how Wright effectively gets the puck to the front of the net for Logan Morrison to score.
Power play potential
Wright has the ability to thrive in multiple positions on the power play. Early in his career, teams utilized his wrist shot by setting him up on the wing, where he could take shots from the face-off dot. In his first two seasons with the Kraken, he primarily played in this wing position on the power play. However, this season, the Kraken have moved him to the bumper position, which leverages his skill for finding open space in the slot and getting shots off quickly.
The Seattle Kraken typically employ a 1-3-1 power play setup, featuring a quarterback at the top, two wings and a bumper player in the middle, and a net-front presence. While Wright hasn’t slotted into the net-front position much this season, his knack for hunting down rebounds and putting them on goal enhances his versatility on the power play. The net-front role is similar to how he plays center at 5v5, allowing him to focus on a single skill set as he develops. I wouldn’t be surprised if he slots into this position at some point this season or is moved to the wing to unlock his lethal wrist shot.
Growth opportunity
During training camp, Alison Lukan asked Wright if he focuses on progressing his game or adding new elements during the offseason. Wright responded, “Bit of both. Obviously, you’re always trying to add little things and refine the overall game. I think just overall, looking for ways to improve and make yourself better.”
Wright is one of those players who seems to excel at everything. If there’s one aspect of his game to nitpick, it’s his passing during transitional play. Dating back to his junior days, he often forced passes through defenders, which worked at that level but hasn’t translated well to the NHL and AHL.
During the 2022-23 season, Wright played in the NHL, AHL, and OHL, gaining firsthand experience of what worked and what didn’t. His time in Coachella Valley showed improvement in his passing game; however, now at the NHL level, this remains an area for growth. According to moneypuck.com, Wright leads Kraken forwards in giveaways with 10. While this isn’t overly concerning, it highlights the need for continued focus on this aspect of his play.
Line chemistry
Wright has looked the part during the first nine games of the season, but the points haven’t been rolling in. He has only two points (one goal, one assist), both coming in the game against the Philadelphia Flyers (a 6-4 Kraken win) on Oct. 17.
Through nine games, Wright has been shuffled through three different line combinations.
Head coach Dan Bylsma has experimented with various lines to find the right chemistry. It’s early in the season, so there’s no need for concern, but Wright is still adjusting to the NHL speed as well as his varying linemates. An interesting note is that Jared McCann and captain Jordan Eberle are leading the Kraken in scoring, with 12 and eight points, respectively. You would think some of that scoring would have trickled down to Wright when the three were playing together, but with him averaging just 13:47 of ice time per game, that hasn’t yet materialized.
This average ranks Wright 10th out of 12 forwards in ice time. Notably, McCann and Eberle are shooting the lights out, with shooting percentages of 26.3 percent and 40.0 percent, respectively, which has limited the number of rebound opportunities for Wright.
Experience will come
As Wright gains more experience, the points will come. He’s already doing the right things both offensively and defensively, and particularly in Seattle’s end, he has not been a liability. This builds confidence for the coaching staff to give him the reps he needs to succeed and grow offensively. Line chemistry will develop as he adapts to the NHL game.
While we expect a bright future for Wright, it’s important to temper expectations, especially when comparing him to players like Matty Beniers. Wright is starting his first full season as a third-line player, averaging 13:47 of ice time, while Beniers averaged 17:06 on the top line in his first season. Therefore, it’s not an apples-to-apples comparison, although Wright’s offensive upside may have a higher ceiling.
I have said it before and will reiterate: I believe that within a season or two, Wright will emerge as the top-scoring center for the Seattle Kraken. This is not a knock against Beniers; rather, it highlights that Beniers is more defensively minded.
If you have any questions, thoughts, or suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments below or reach out to me on X at @blaizg.
