Kraken’s biggest surprise, disappointment to start 2024-25 season

The Seattle Kraken have had a tumultuous start to the 2024-25 NHL season, struggling to find consistency and sitting below .500 with a 13-14-1 record. Currently sixth in the Pacific Division, the Kraken are far from the playoff form they showed during their magical 2022-23 run.

Biggest Disappointment: A Lack of Offensive Firepower

The Kraken’s offensive struggles have been one of their most glaring issues:

Jordan Eberle’s Injury: The team captain’s absence after pelvic surgery has been a major blow. In 17 games, Eberle recorded 6 goals and 11 points, providing leadership and reliable offense. His three-month recovery timeline leaves a significant void.

Shane Wright’s Underwhelming NHL Debut: The fourth-overall pick in the 2022 draft has struggled to adjust, managing only 9 points in 25 games. Despite strong performances in the OHL and AHL, Wright’s NHL transition hasn’t lived up to expectations. At just 20 years old, he still has room to grow but has yet to meet the hype.

Teamwide Offensive Woes: No Kraken player is averaging a point-per-game. Jared McCann leads the team with 23 points in 28 games, but the team ranks 19th in goals per game, showing the lack of a true offensive superstar.

Biggest Surprise: Ryker Evans’ Emergence on Defense

One bright spot has been the rise of Ryker Evans, who has become an integral part of Seattle’s blue line:

Offensive Impact: Evans has contributed 16 points in 26 games, ranking fifth on the team in scoring while logging over 20 minutes of ice time per game.

Steady Development: While paired with Will Borgen on the third line, Evans has shown he’s capable of stepping into larger roles, even as Brandon Montour and Vince Dunn anchor the powerplay units.

Room for Growth: Despite being a minus-one, Evans has impressed in his second NHL season, showcasing promise as a cornerstone defenseman for years to come.

Goaltending: A Mixed Bag

Goaltending has been another inconsistent area for Seattle:

Joey Daccord: Daccord has emerged as an above-average starter, providing some stability between the pipes.

Philipp Grubauer: The veteran netminder continues to struggle, leaving the Kraken reliant on Daccord to keep them competitive.

Outlook for the Rest of the Season

The Kraken’s playoff hopes are slipping, but there’s still time for a turnaround:

1. Key Adjustments Needed: Seattle must improve offensive consistency and find a way to mitigate Eberle’s absence.
2. Wright’s Development: The young center needs to find his rhythm to provide the team with secondary scoring.
3. Defensive Contributions: Continuing to lean on players like Evans and Montour could give the Kraken an edge in tight games.

If the Kraken can string together wins and shore up their weaknesses, they may still make a push for the postseason. For now, fans in the Emerald City must grapple with another frustrating campaign and hope for brighter days ahead.