From Seattletimes · · 2m
Kraken pivot to youth development
Seattle Kraken shifts focus to developing young talent after three playoff misses.
In brief
Seattle Kraken shifts focus to developing young talent after three playoff misses. Seattle Kraken prioritizes youth development over immediate playoff success after three consecutive seasons without playoff appearances. Originally reported by Seattletimes.
Kraken CEO hints at offseason plans
Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke teased a 'prolific' offseason in April after three consecutive seasons without playoff appearances.
Minimal roster turnover this summer
The Kraken roster had the least amount of turnover of any NHL team according to PuckPedia as training camp opened.
Kraken as NHL punchline
The Kraken are often an NHL punchline battling unfamiliarity with a new hockey market and weak track record.
Win-now strategy fades
The Kraken shifted from win-now proclamations to developing youth after late-season meltdowns and failed star recruitment.
Sportsology hired for organizational review
The Kraken brought in Sportsology to analyze their organization and made around 10 hires in nutrition, performance and strength.
No playoff-ready roster this summer
Nothing happened this summer that made the 2026-27 roster look like a playoff team.
New era branding
The Kraken avoid 'rebuild' or 'step back' terms but acknowledge it's time to pivot to a new era.
Ron Francis departure
Letting go of original architect Ron Francis provided a bookend for the old era.
Jason Botterill's role
Second-year GM Jason Botterill is tasked with turning the Kraken around through organizational improvements.
Organizational depth remains strong
The Kraken's organizational depth is consistently high in league rankings despite early returns not looking great.
Shedding contracts for youth
The Kraken shed contracts of two inaugural-season players, Jamie Oleksiak and Jaden Schwartz, as unrestricted free agents.
Eeli Tolvanen trade
The Kraken let Eeli Tolvanen sign a one-year, $1.5 million contract with New York Rangers after he was 27.
Berkly Catton potential
The Kraken has sky-high hopes for 20-year-old Berkly Catton after a rough first NHL season.
Matty Beniers development
Center Matty Beniers has yet to match his Rookie of the Year numbers despite developing into a reliable two-way forward.
Shane Wright's situation
Shane Wright's camp wanted to move him elsewhere but a trade never materialized for the 2022 fourth overall pick.
The big picture
Seattle Kraken prioritizes youth development over immediate playoff success after three consecutive seasons without playoff appearances.
