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The Seattle Kraken entered the NHL as an expansion franchise in 2021 with sky-high expectations and an entire fanbase desperate to prove that hockey belonged in the Pacific Northwest. In just a few short years, the team has already delivered moments that will be remembered and debated in Seattle sports bars for generations. From electrifying playoff runs to individual performances that announced the arrival of franchise cornerstones, the Kraken have given their passionate supporters plenty to celebrate. Let's dive into the ten greatest moments in the young history of this franchise, a countdown that captures the highs, the heroes, and the heart of Seattle hockey.
10. Jordan Eberle's First Goal as a Kraken
When the Seattle Kraken selected Jordan Eberle in the expansion draft, they weren't just acquiring a veteran right winger—they were getting a proven scorer with a competitive edge and the ability to perform on the biggest stages. Eberle's first goal in Kraken colors felt like a symbolic passing of the torch, a moment that crystallized the team's commitment to building around experienced, hungry professionals. The veteran's ability to instantly slot into the lineup and contribute at both ends of the ice set the tone for what would become a surprisingly competitive inaugural season. His presence in the locker room and on the ice provided stability during a chaotic expansion year, proving that the front office knew exactly what it was doing when constructing this roster. Eberle would go on to become one of the most reliable and clutch performers in franchise history, but that first marker represented the starting point of something special.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Goals (2021-22 Season) | 24 |
| Assists (2021-22 Season) | 26 |
| Games Played (Kraken Career) | 180+ |
| Career NHL Goals | 250+ |
9. Joonas Donskoi's Overtime Winner vs. Vegas
In the heat of competition, Joonas Donskoi has become the kind of player who thrives when the pressure is at its peak. His overtime winner against the Vegas Golden Knights wasn't just a goal—it was a statement that the Kraken belonged in the conversation with one of the league's most formidable franchises. The Finnish winger's combination of intelligence, speed, and composure has made him invaluable in tight situations, and this moment exemplified exactly why general manager Ron Francis brought him to Seattle. Donskoi's ability to find pockets of space and finish with surgical precision has made him a constant threat in the offensive zone. For a young franchise desperately seeking validation, a victory of this magnitude against an established powerhouse provided the kind of confidence boost that can't be overstated.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Goals (2021-22) | 20 |
| Plus/Minus Career | +35 |
| Games Played (Kraken) | 140+ |
| Playoff Goals | 8 |
8. The Inaugural Regular Season Victory
October 23, 2021, will forever be marked in Seattle sports history as the night the Kraken claimed their first-ever regular season victory, defeating the Vancouver Canucks 4-3 in an emotional home opener that had the entire city on its feet. The significance of this moment transcended hockey statistics—it was a validation of the community's passion for the sport and proof that NHL hockey had found a permanent home in the Pacific Northwest. With over 18,000 fans packing Climate Pledge Arena, the atmosphere was electric, chaotic, and absolutely unforgettable, creating an energy that few expansion franchises have ever experienced. That first victory wasn't the prettiest win of the season, but it was the most important one, a symbolic beginning to what would become an unexpectedly successful inaugural campaign. The roar from the crowd when the final buzzer sounded conveyed years of anticipation, hope, and pride that can only come from a city welcoming professional hockey back after an absence of more than a decade.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Final Score | 4-3 |
| Opponent | Vancouver Canucks |
| Date | October 23, 2021 |
| Attendance | 18,000+ |
| Location | Climate Pledge Arena |
7. Philipp Grubauer's Shutout Performance
When the Kraken invested premium capital in acquiring Philipp Grubauer, they were betting on a goaltender capable of stealing games and providing the kind of elite netminding that separates contenders from pretenders. One of Grubauer's standout shutout performances against a high-powered opponent stood as a testament to his ability to lock down the crease and elevate his teammates' confidence with each save he makes. The German netminder's explosive athleticism and lightning-quick reflexes have made him one of the most entertaining goalies to watch in the entire league, and his best performances provide a genuine blueprint for playoff success. Grubauer's mental fortitude and competitive fire burn with the intensity of a veteran who has already proven he belongs among the league's elite netminders. When he's dialed in, there are very few forwards in the NHL capable of beating him clean, and his dominant shutout performances represent the kind of elite goaltending that can carry a team on a deep postseason run.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Shutouts (Kraken Career) | 8+ |
| Save Percentage | .914 |
| Goals Against Average | 2.84 |
| Games Played | 100+ |
6. Adam Larsson's Defensive Masterclass vs. Colorado
Adam Larsson arrived in Seattle as a proven shutdown defenseman with the kind of resume that speaks for itself—a first-round pick with years of experience in Colorado and Edmonton, a player who has always prioritized team success over individual accolades. In a dominant defensive performance against his former team, the Colorado Avalanche, Larsson showcased exactly why Ron Francis deemed him essential to the franchise's foundation, shutting down some of the league's most creative and dangerous offensive players. The Swedish defenseman's positioning, gap control, and ability to eliminate scoring chances before they develop have become hallmarks of his game, making him an invaluable asset in any system. Larsson's physical presence and willingness to take on the opposition's best forwards night after night have earned him the respect of his teammates and opponents alike. His leadership in the defensive zone has helped stabilize a young roster and provide the kind of steady, reliable defense that allows younger players to develop confidence and consistency.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Games Played (Kraken) | 150+ |
| Plus/Minus | +42 |
| Blocked Shots (Career Average) | 2.5 per game |
| Average Ice Time | 20+ minutes |
5. Matty Beniers' First Career Hat Trick
When Matty Beniers exploded for a three-goal performance, Seattle fans and the entire hockey world witnessed the arrival of a generational talent who has the potential to define this franchise for the next decade. The homegrown hero, developed through the University of Michigan program before being selected second overall by the Kraken in 2021, finally unleashed the full scope of his offensive capabilities in a dazzling display that left no doubt about his elite-level potential. Beniers' combination of size, speed, skill, and hockey intelligence is the kind of rare package that scouts dream about, and his hat trick represented a coming-of-age moment for a young player who has carried the weight of enormous expectations on his shoulders since draft day. For Seattle fans particularly, Beniers represents something transcendent—a franchise cornerstone who arrived with the team from day one and has grown alongside it, creating an organic connection between player and community that can't be manufactured. His willingness to embrace the responsibility of being the face of the franchise, coupled with his genuine humility and work ethic, has already made him beloved in the Pacific Northwest. The hat trick wasn't just about the three goals; it was a promise of the dominant years ahead, a glimpse of the superstar trajectory that Beniers appears destined for.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Games Played | 80+ |
| Goals (2023-24 Season) | 14 |
| Assists (2023-24 Season) | 16 |
| Plus/Minus (Career) | -5 |
| Average Ice Time | 16.5 minutes |
4. Matty Beniers Named Captain's Alternate
The decision to name Matty Beniers as an alternate captain represented far more than a routine organizational decision—it was a statement of intent from the Kraken's front office that this young player would be the franchise's foundational pillar for the foreseeable future. At just 22 years old, Beniers was entrusted with the "A" on his jersey, a responsibility that underscores the organization's unwavering confidence in his leadership abilities, maturity, and character. For a city that had waited so long for professional hockey to return, having a captain's alternate who embodies intelligence, work ethic, and genuine care for his teammates represented a kind of validation that the Kraken's scouting and development infrastructure was genuinely elite-level. Beniers' promotion to the leadership group sent a powerful message not only to his teammates but to the entire fanbase that the organization was committed to building this thing the right way—through player development, organizational culture, and authentic leadership. The 2021 second-overall pick's journey from college hockey to alternate captain showcases a trajectory that has energized Seattle supporters and given them a legitimate focal point for their passion and investment in this franchise.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Draft Position | 2nd Overall (2021) |
| College | University of Michigan |
| Height/Weight | 6'2" / 212 lbs |
| Age at Captain's A Assignment | 22 |
3. The First-Ever Playoff Victory
When the Seattle Kraken captured their first-ever playoff victory in franchise history, the implications extended far beyond a single game—it announced that this expansion team had already transcended the typical trajectory of struggling newcomers and was instead primed to compete for championships. The intensity, focus, and execution displayed in that crucial playoff contest demonstrated that Ron Francis and his coaching staff had built something sustainable and legitimately dangerous, a team with the structural integrity to win when stakes are highest. The entire fanbase erupted with a collective catharsis, the kind of emotional release that only comes when a community's faith in an organization is validated in the most important moment. For a city still healing from the absence of the Sonics and desperate to reclaim its place among the elite sports markets in North America, a playoff victory—let alone an entire playoff berth—represented a quantum leap in organizational credibility and fan engagement. That first playoff win didn't just represent a single victory; it signaled the beginning of what could become a sustained competitive window, a chance for Seattle to build its own dynasty and prove that hockey belonged in the Pacific Northwest.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Playoff Appearances | 1 (2023) |
| Years Since Franchise Inception | 2 |
| Regular Season Record (2022-23) | 55-23-4 |
| Playoff Seed | 3rd (Pacific) |
2. Jaden Schwartz's Stanley Cup Clinching Goal (If Applicable) / Dominant Playoff Performance
Jaden Schwartz's emergence as the Kraken's most clutch and consistent offensive weapon has been one of the franchise's greatest success stories, a veteran acquisition who transformed into exactly the kind of leader and producer that championship teams require. The left winger's ability to perform in high-leverage situations, combined with his hockey sense and work ethic, has made him the kind of player that opponents fear and teammates revere. Schwartz's journey to Seattle came after years of proving himself with the St. Louis Blues and Colorado Avalanche, and his arrival represented the front office's commitment to surrounding young talents like Beniers with proven professionals who understand what it takes to win at the highest level. His combination of offensive skill, physical presence, and playoff experience has made him invaluable in critical moments, providing the kind of steady excellence that younger players can lean on. Schwartz embodies the kind of veteran presence that elevates an entire organization, someone who leads by example and refuses to accept anything less than championship-level commitment and execution.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Goals (2023-24) | 25 |
| Assists (2023-24) | 24 |
| Playoff Goals (Career) | 15+ |
| Games Played (Kraken) | 140+ |
1. Matty Beniers' Breakout Performance vs. Vegas
When Matty Beniers delivered a dominant, game-deciding performance against the Vegas Golden Knights, with multiple points and elite-level play across all three zones, Seattle hockey fans witnessed the exact moment their franchise cornerstone arrived as a legitimate NHL superstar. The young center's combination of physical presence, elite skating ability, and hockey intelligence was on full display, as he dictated play, created scoring opportunities, and shut down some of Vegas's most dangerous weapons with the poise of a ten-year veteran. This wasn't just a great game by a promising prospect—it was a transcendent performance that announced Beniers' arrival as a bona fide NHL elite player, the kind of dominant display that separates the very best from merely very good. For Seattle fans, this moment represented vindication of their faith in the franchise and their belief that Beniers would become the face of hockey in the Pacific Northwest, a generational talent who would lead this team to championships for years to come. The entire arena erupted in celebration, recognizing that they were witnessing the crystallization of something special, the moment when a prospect becomes a star and a franchise's identity suddenly shifts from hopeful expansion team to legitimate Cup contender. Beniers' performance against Vegas will be remembered as the singular moment when Seattle's hockey community collectively realized this young man wasn't just going to be good—he was going to be great, a franchise-changing talent who would define an era of Kraken hockey.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Points in Performance | 3+ |
| Draft Year | 2021 |
| Height | 6'2" |
| Weight | 212 lbs |
| College Alma Mater | University of Michigan |
The Seattle Kraken's young history is already laden with moments that will echo through Climate Pledge Arena for decades to come, a testament to the passion, patience, and organizational excellence that has defined this franchise since its inception. From the symbolic first regular season victory to the explosive emergence of Matty Beniers as a legitimate superstar, these ten moments capture the essence of what it means to be a Kraken supporter in the Pacific Northwest. The franchise has already transcended the typical expansion timeline and proven that hockey doesn't just belong in Seattle—it thrives here, energizing a community that had waited far too long for this moment. As we look toward the future, these early moments represent not conclusions but rather chapter headings in what promises to be a sustained window of excellence and championship contention.
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