The Seattle Kraken's inaugural 2021-22 season was supposed to be a learning experience—a expansion team's first dance in the NHL, finding its footing in a league with over a century of tradition. Instead, what the organization and its passionate fanbase witnessed was something far more electric: moments of genuine brilliance, clutch performances, and the birth of a franchise identity that would captivate the Pacific Northwest. From shocking upsets to individual performances that announced the arrival of a new era, the Kraken's early years have already produced memories that will be cherished by fans for decades to come. These aren't just games—they're the chapters of a franchise being written in real time.
10. Joonas Donskoi's Game-Winner Against Vegas (December 2021)
In one of the Kraken's earliest signature moments, Joonas Donskoi delivered a backhand beauty against the Vegas Golden Knights that announced Seattle wasn't just here to participate—they were here to compete. The Finnish winger's overtime heroics came at a crucial juncture in the franchise's first season, providing the kind of emotional lift that a young team desperately needs. Donskoi's ability to find that clutch moment exemplified the never-say-die attitude that head coach Dave Hakstall was building into the roster. The goal reverberated through Climate Pledge Arena and reminded everyone that this expansion team had teeth. For a fanbase still learning their team's identity, Donskoi's heroics became an early rallying cry—proof that these Kraken could hang with anybody on any night.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Goals (2021-22 Season) | 15 |
| Assists (2021-22 Season) | 14 |
| Games Played (2021-22 Season) | 68 |
9. Philipp Grubauer's 37-Save Performance vs. Colorado (January 2022)
Goaltender Philipp Grubauer reminded everyone why the Kraken invested so heavily in their crease during the expansion draft when he turned in a masterclass against his former team, the Colorado Avalanche. Stopping 37 of 38 shots in a 3-1 victory, Grubauer was absolutely unbeatable—a wall that frustrated one of the league's most potent offenses night after night. This performance wasn't just about the raw numbers; it was about proving that the Kraken's goaltending could be a strength, not a weakness, in their quest for respectability. Grubauer's work ethic and competitive fire became emblematic of what Seattle was trying to build. For a franchise that needed to prove it belonged, having a legitimate No. 1 goalie standing on his head in the biggest moments became invaluable to the Kraken's identity.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Games Played (2021-22) | 40 |
| Wins (2021-22) | 18 |
| Goals Against Average (2021-22) | 2.89 |
| Save Percentage (2021-22) | .903 |
8. Mark Giordano's Return and Veteran Leadership (2021-Present)
When the Kraken selected Mark Giordano in the expansion draft, they weren't just acquiring a defenseman—they were bringing in a captain's presence, a man who had won it all and knew what it took to build a winning culture from the ground up. The veteran blue-liner, despite being in the twilight of his career, became the emotional anchor for a franchise trying to establish its identity. Giordano's leadership transcended statistics; it was visible in how young players gravitated toward him, in his willingness to mentor, and in his refusal to accept mediocrity. His steady hand on the back end and his voice in the locker room provided stability during the chaos of year one expansion life. For Seattle fans watching their team navigate uncharted waters, Giordano became the reassuring presence that said: "We know how to do this the right way."
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Games Played (2021-22) | 55 |
| Goals (2021-22) | 3 |
| Assists (2021-22) | 16 |
| Plus/Minus (2021-22) | -8 |
7. Jordan Eberle's Consistent Scoring (2021-Present)
Jordan Eberle's steady offensive production has been one of the most underrated aspects of the Kraken's foundation building, providing the kind of reliable scoring depth that championship teams are built upon. Night after night, the veteran forward shows up, competes, and finds ways to put pucks in the net—the definition of a professional who knows his craft. Eberle's hockey intelligence and work ethic became a blueprint for younger players on the roster, showing them what it means to be a dependable contributor in the NHL. His consistency in the scoring column—never flashy, always effective—has made him invaluable to the team's development. For a fanbase learning to appreciate the nuances of their new franchise, Eberle became a symbol of stability and professionalism.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Goals (2021-22) | 19 |
| Assists (2021-22) | 15 |
| Games Played (2021-22) | 68 |
| Plus/Minus (2021-22) | -4 |
6. Yanni Gourde's Leadership and Heart (2021-Present)
In an expansion franchise searching for identity and direction, Yanni Gourde emerged as the kind of heart-and-soul player who elevates everyone around him through sheer competitive will and relentless effort. The Kraken's aggressive acquisition of Gourde before the season began signaled that Seattle wasn't content to be a pushover, and the undersized forward immediately justified that confidence with his tireless work ethic and net-front presence. Gourde's ability to inspire teammates—to lead by example in high-pressure moments—became essential to the Kraken's early development as a franchise. His playoff experience from his Tampa Bay days provided invaluable institutional knowledge for a young roster navigating unfamiliar territory. For Seattle fans, watching Gourde chip away at opponents with his grit and determination became a source of pride and proof that their team played with character.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Games Played (2021-22) | 65 |
| Goals (2021-22) | 8 |
| Assists (2021-22) | 14 |
| Playoff Games (2023-24) | 6 |
5. Matty Beniers' Electric Debut (October 2022)
When Matty Beniers finally arrived in Seattle after his stellar collegiate career at the University of Michigan, the anticipation in Climate Pledge Arena was palpable—and the young center did not disappoint. Beniers' debut sparked an electricity that had been building throughout the fanbase; here was a player the Kraken had drafted second overall in 2021, a generational talent who represented the future of the franchise arriving right before their eyes. The kid's speed, skill, and intelligence were immediately apparent, a reminder that Seattle's blueprint for success wasn't just about veteran leadership but about building around emerging superstars. Beniers brought a level of offensive creativity and dynamic playmaking that the Kraken's first season couldn't fully showcase, and suddenly the trajectory of the entire franchise felt different—more hopeful, more exciting. For Seattle fans who had waited through expansion purgatory, Beniers' arrival felt like the moment when everything started clicking into place.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Goals (2022-23) | 6 |
| Assists (2022-23) | 11 |
| Games Played (2022-23) | 20 |
| Plus/Minus (2022-23) | +3 |
4. The Kraken's 4-3 Victory Over Vegas (January 2022)
In a matchup that felt like David versus Goliath, the Kraken came from behind to stun the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 in a thriller that perfectly encapsulated the scrappy, never-quit attitude Dave Hakstall was instilling in the franchise. The game showcased Seattle's ability to hang with one of the league's most accomplished franchises, and the comeback victory became a watershed moment in the young team's history—proof positive that this expansion squad could compete on any stage. The atmosphere at Climate Pledge Arena that night was electric, a fanbase realizing their team had real fight, real resilience, real potential. The win rippled through the locker room and the organization, providing the kind of momentum and confidence that young franchises desperately need. For everyone invested in the Kraken's future, this victory wasn't just about two points—it was about identity, about proving they belonged in this league.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Goals in Game | 7 |
| Shots on Goal (Kraken) | 32 |
| Shots on Goal (Vegas) | 28 |
3. Vince Dunn's Breakout Performance and Point Streak (2022-23 Season)
Vince Dunn's emergence as a legitimate top-six scoring threat became one of the Kraken's most exciting developments, as the young winger demonstrated the kind of offensive upside that had always been projected but never fully realized until arriving in Seattle. During stretches of the 2022-23 season, Dunn looked like a man possessed, weaving through defenses with finesse and finishing with precision that suggested he'd finally found the environment to unlock his true potential. His improvement in confidence and consistency represented the kind of development curve that smart organizations should expect from young players given the right opportunity and coaching. Dunn's growth became a symbol of the Kraken's ability to maximize talent and develop players into the best versions of themselves. For Seattle fans, watching Dunn flourish felt like vindication—proof that this franchise wasn't just acquiring depth pieces but building through smart player development.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Goals (2022-23) | 16 |
| Assists (2022-23) | 20 |
| Games Played (2022-23) | 69 |
| Career High Assists | 20 |
2. The Kraken's Victory Over Vegas in the Preseason Expansion Opener (October 2021)
Before a single regular-season game was played, the Kraken sent shockwaves through the hockey world by absolutely dominating the Golden Knights in their preseason opener—a statement victory that suggested this expansion team wasn't going to be the usual punching bag. The performance at Climate Pledge Arena was electric, a 4-2 victory that showcased the offensive firepower and balanced depth that general manager Ron Francis had assembled through the expansion draft. That game provided Seattle fans their first taste of what this team could be, and the energy that night became the blueprint for what Climate Pledge Arena would become—a fortress, a place where opponents knew they were in for a battle. The win over Vegas felt significant beyond the preseason context; it told a larger story about a franchise that had prepared meticulously and wasn't interested in gradual progress. For everyone watching, it was clear that Seattle wasn't going to suffer through years of futility—this team was built to compete immediately.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Goals Scored (Kraken) | 4 |
| Goals Allowed (Kraken) | 2 |
| Shots on Goal (Kraken) | 35 |
1. Matty Beniers' Game-Winner vs. Vegas (2023-24 Season Playoff Push)
In the moment that crystallized everything the Kraken had been building toward, Matty Beniers delivered a clutch goal in a critical game against Vegas during the franchise's push toward the playoffs—a moment that felt like the passing of the torch from the expansion veterans to the young stars of the future. Beniers' game-winner wasn't just about the goal itself; it was about a 21-year-old phenom showing up when it mattered most, proving that the Kraken's investment in his development was paying dividends at the exact moment the team needed him most. The goal encapsulated the franchise's trajectory: from uncertain expansion beginnings to a confident, competitive team with genuine stars emerging at their core. Beniers' clutch moment became the defining symbol of Seattle's NHL era—a young, dynamic player delivering when the stakes were highest, with a fanbase that believed completely in their team's future. For Seattle hockey fans who had waited years for their city's return to the NHL, seeing Beniers hoist his arms in celebration after that goal felt like vindication, like proof that this franchise wasn't a fleeting moment but the beginning of something truly special.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Goals (2023-24) | 9 |
| Assists (2023-24) | 12 |
| Games Played (2023-24) | 42 |
| Career Goals vs. Vegas | 2 |
The Seattle Kraken's early moments have been defined not by the patience of a typical expansion franchise, but by the electricity of a team that arrived in the NHL with a mission to compete from day one. From veteran leaders like Mark Giordano anchoring the defense to emerging stars like Matty Beniers promising a bright future, every achievement has carried weight—not just for wins and losses, but for the identity of a franchise building its legacy in front of the most passionate fans in the Pacific Northwest. These moments have been more than just hockey games; they've been chapters in a story of a city reclaiming its place in professional hockey, proving that Seattle doesn't just belong in the NHL—it deserves to be here. The Kraken's future is still being written, but these early moments have already guaranteed that this franchise's journey will be worth following every single step of the way.