The Seattle Kraken is the newest addition to the National Hockey League (NHL), joining as an expansion team in 2021. The team is named after the legendary sea monster, the Kraken, which is said to inhabit the waters of the Pacific Northwest.
History of the Seattle Kraken
The NHL announced in 2018 that Seattle had been awarded an expansion team, with the Kraken being officially unveiled as the team’s name and logo in July 2020. The team’s colors are navy blue, light blue, and white, with the logo featuring a tentacle-shaped “S” and a red eye.
The Kraken’s first season is set to begin in October 2021, with the team playing out of the newly-built Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. The arena, which has a seating capacity of 17,000, is the first net-zero carbon certified arena in the world.
The Kraken’s Roster
The Kraken selected their initial roster in the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft, which took place on July 21, 2021. The team selected one player from each of the existing 30 NHL teams, with the exception of the Vegas Golden Knights, who were exempt from the draft as a new team themselves in 2017.
The Kraken’s roster includes notable players such as goaltender Philipp Grubauer, defenseman Mark Giordano, and forward Jordan Eberle, as well as a mix of veterans and younger players.
The Kraken’s Head Coach
The Kraken’s head coach is Dave Hakstol, who previously coached the University of North Dakota men’s ice hockey team and the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers. Hakstol was hired as the Kraken’s head coach in June 2021, and will be tasked with leading the team in its inaugural season.
Expectations for the Kraken’s Inaugural Season
As with any expansion team, the Kraken’s inaugural season is likely to be a challenging one. However, the team has put together a competitive roster and has the benefit of being in a weaker division, the Pacific Division, which could give them a chance to make the playoffs in their first year.
Off the ice, the Kraken have already made a significant impact in the Seattle community, partnering with local organizations and businesses and working to promote sustainability and inclusivity.
Conclusion
The Seattle Kraken are the NHL’s newest team, set to begin their inaugural season in October 2021. With a competitive roster, a world-class arena, and a commitment to community and sustainability, the Kraken have already made an impression both on and off the ice.
