From the moment the puck dropped on their inaugural season, the Seattle Kraken captured the imagination of a city hungry for hockey. What began with the promise of expansion quickly blossomed into an exhilarating journey filled with unexpected triumphs, dramatic comebacks, and the forging of an undeniable identity. While still a young franchise, the Kraken have already delivered a treasure trove of indelible moments that have etched themselves into the hearts of their devoted fanbase. Here, we countdown the ten greatest highlights that have defined the Kraken's thrilling story so far, moments that prove this team is here to stay.
10. The Kraken's First Home Victory
After a challenging road trip to start their inaugural season, the Kraken returned to Climate Pledge Arena, eager to give their devoted home crowd something to cheer about. On October 23, 2021, against their Pacific Northwest rivals, the Vancouver Canucks, the Kraken broke through, securing a dominant 4-2 victory. It wasn't just a win; it was a communal exhale, a shared celebration, and the first taste of triumph on home ice that signaled the start of a beautiful relationship between team and city, proving Climate Pledge could indeed be a fortress.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Date | Oct 23, 2021 |
| Opponent | Vancouver Canucks |
| Final Score | Kraken 4, Canucks 2 |
| First Home Win | Franchise History |
9. Shane Wright Scores His First NHL Goal
After being a surprise slide to fourth overall in the 2022 NHL Draft and then enduring a tumultuous start to his Kraken tenure, Shane Wright's journey has been one of immense anticipation. On December 6, 2022, against the Montreal Canadiens – the team that famously passed on him first overall – Wright finally netted his first NHL goal. The moment was not just a personal milestone but a symbolic statement, offering a tantalizing glimpse of the future and the immense talent that Seattle hopes will anchor their franchise for years to come. It was a release of pressure and a sign of things to come.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Drafted | 4th Overall (2022) |
| Date of First Goal | Dec 6, 2022 |
| Opponent | Montreal Canadiens |
| Career NHL Goals (at time) | 1 |
8. Jared McCann's Inaugural Hat Trick
As the Kraken's leading goal-scorer in both their first two seasons, Jared McCann quickly established himself as a vital offensive engine. On April 27, 2022, McCann etched his name into franchise history by recording the team's first-ever hat trick against the Los Angeles Kings. His three-goal performance was a dazzling display of skill and determination, showcasing the sniper's touch that has made him a fan favorite. It was an offensive outburst that truly announced his arrival as a premier scorer and a foundational piece for the Kraken.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Date of Hat Trick | Apr 27, 2022 |
| Opponent | Los Angeles Kings |
| Goals in 2021-22 | 27 |
| Goals in 2022-23 | 40 |
| Franchise First Hat Trick | Yes |
7. The Year Two Turnaround & Playoff Berth
The Kraken's inaugural season was, by most measures, a struggle, finishing near the bottom of the league. Expectations for Year Two were tempered, but Ron Francis and Dave Hakstol had other plans. The 2022-23 season saw a monumental shift, with the team shattering virtually all their first-year records, displaying incredible depth, resilience, and a knack for clutch performances. Clinching their first-ever playoff berth on April 6, 2023, was the culmination of this stunning transformation, a testament to intelligent roster building and a collective will to prove the doubters wrong, igniting the city with playoff fever.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| 2021-22 Record | 27-49-6 (60 Pts) |
| 2022-23 Record | 46-28-8 (100 Pts) |
| Playoff Berths | 1 (2023) |
| League Rank Improvement | 30th to 7th |
6. Vince Dunn's Breakout Norris-Caliber Season
While the Kraken boasted a team built on depth, Vince Dunn emerged as an undeniable star during the 2022-23 season. His offensive production exploded, putting him in legitimate Norris Trophy conversations, and his defensive game matured dramatically. Dunn became the undisputed quarterback of the power play and a leader on the backend, showcasing dazzling puck-moving skills and a surprisingly physical edge. His ascent from a solid defender to an elite, franchise-defining defenseman was a massive factor in the team's success and gave Seattle its first true blue-line anchor.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| 2022-23 Points | 64 (14 G, 50 A) |
| 2022-23 +/- | +28 |
| 2022-23 ATOI | 23:44 |
| Norris Votes (2023) | Top 10 Finisher |
5. Philipp Grubauer's Playoff Redemption
After a challenging inaugural season that saw him struggle to live up to expectations, Philipp Grubauer faced immense scrutiny entering the 2023 playoffs. What followed was a stunning display of goaltending mastery. Grubauer transformed into a brick wall, making clutch save after clutch save, particularly in the series against the defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche. His acrobatic stops and unwavering composure were the backbone of the Kraken's improbable run, silencing critics and solidifying his place as a vital component of the team's success when it mattered most, endearing him to a fanbase that had waited patiently.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| 2022-23 Playoff Record | 7-7 |
| 2022-23 Playoff SV% | .914 |
| 2022-23 Playoff GAA | 2.44 |
| Game 7 Shutout Saves | 33 (vs. COL) |
4. Ron Francis Selects Matty Beniers Second Overall
The 2021 NHL Entry Draft represented the official birth of the Seattle Kraken roster, and with the second overall pick, General Manager Ron Francis made a pivotal, franchise-altering decision: selecting Matty Beniers. This wasn't just another draft pick; it was the foundational cornerstone, the first high-impact player to officially join the Kraken family. Beniers represented the promise of elite talent, a future captain, and the start of an identity for a brand-new franchise. It was a clear signal of the team's commitment to building through skill and character, instantly connecting with a burgeoning fanbase looking for a star to rally behind in the Emerald City.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Draft Year | 2021 |
| Draft Position | 2nd Overall |
| Previous Team | University of Michigan |
| Draft Class Prominence | First Kraken Pick |
3. Matty Beniers Wins the Calder Memorial Trophy
The hype around Matty Beniers was immense, and in his first full NHL season, he not only met but exceeded every expectation, culminating in him being awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league's top rookie. Beniers led all rookies in scoring with 57 points (24 goals, 33 assists) and displayed a two-way game far beyond his years. This wasn't just an individual award; it was a resounding validation of the Kraken's drafting philosophy and a declaration that Seattle has a legitimate, homegrown star. For the fans, it was proof that their top pick was indeed the real deal, a dynamic center who represents the bright future of hockey in Seattle.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| 2022-23 Points | 57 (24 G, 33 A) |
| 2022-23 Calder Votes | 1st Place |
| Games Played (2022-23) | 80 |
| Franchise Calder Winners | 1 (Matty Beniers) |
2. Game 7 Victory Over the Colorado Avalanche
The moment of truth arrived in Game 7 against the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Colorado Avalanche, in their hostile home arena. The Kraken, dismissed as underdogs, played with a relentless spirit, showcasing their depth, speed, and unwavering belief. Oliver Bjorkstrand's two goals and Philipp Grubauer's heroic 33-save shutout performance cemented a stunning 2-1 victory. This Game 7 triumph was a masterpiece of execution under pressure, a statement win that sent shockwaves through the hockey world and proved that the Kraken were not just a playoff team, but a legitimate contender capable of dethroning giants. It was pure, unadulterated hockey magic.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Date | May 14, 2023 |
| Opponent | Colorado Avalanche |
| Final Score | Kraken 2, Avalanche 1 |
| Goaltender Saves | Philipp Grubauer (33) |
| Series Clinching Win | Yes |
1. The Kraken Claim Their First Playoff Series Win
Emerging from their second season to face the formidable, reigning Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche in the first round of the 2023 playoffs was a daunting task. Yet, the Seattle Kraken, with their relentless forecheck and incredible team depth, refused to be intimidated. Their hard-fought, physical, and utterly thrilling seven-game series victory was more than just an upset; it was a monumental moment of validation for the franchise, a testament to their identity, and a profound statement that the Kraken had officially arrived as a force in the NHL. This series win, capped by the Game 7 triumph, sent Seattle into a frenzy and showcased exactly what "Release the Kraken" truly means.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Series Won | Western Conference First Round |
| Opponent | Colorado Avalanche |
| Series Length | 7 Games |
| Franchise Playoff Series Wins | 1 |
From the first pick to their first playoff series victory, the Seattle Kraken have already crafted a narrative rich with excitement and surprising success. These moments aren't just entries in a record book; they are the memories that bind a city to its team, sparking joy, pride, and an insatiable hunger for more. As the Kraken continue to build their legacy, these foundational moments will forever stand as the bedrock of a franchise that has, against all odds, quickly captured the hearts of the Pacific Northwest and proven that Seattle is, unequivocally, a hockey town.