TEAM EDITORIAL

The Seattle Kraken enter the 2026 offseason as a deeper, younger group than the one that began the franchise’s first season, with management clearly building around a new core instead of chasing short-term fixes. Recent reporting points to a roster shaped by a busy summer: Mackie Samoskevich was added and Bobby McMann received a six-year extension, while Curtis Douglas also joined in free agency, giving the forward group more size and depth. The organization’s prospect pipeline is drawing attention too, with Berkly Catton, Shane Wright, Jani Nyman, and other young players expected to push for larger roles as training camp approaches.

There is still some unfinished business, though. The free-agent picture includes important decisions around depth and continuity, and the club has to sort out how veterans fit alongside the younger wave. The defensive group remains anchored by players like Vince Dunn, Adam Larsson, and Brandon Montour, while Joey Daccord gives the team a clear starting point in goal. With the preseason opener against Vancouver set for September 19, the main storyline is not immediate results but how the Kraken’s new-look roster, coaching plans, and prospect competition come together before opening night.