From the moment the Seattle Kraken hit the ice, a city starved for hockey embraced its new heroes with an infectious energy. What started as a promising expansion project quickly blossomed into one of the NHL's most exciting stories, especially in their sophomore season. While the franchise is still young, it has already delivered a trove of unforgettable moments, etched into the hearts of the Emerald City faithful. As we look back on the nascent yet impactful history of the Deep Sea, here are the 10 greatest Seattle Kraken moments so far, counting down to the most iconic.
10. Ryan Donato Scores the First Kraken Goal
In the grand tapestry of a new franchise, there's always one moment that kicks everything off: the first goal. For the Seattle Kraken, that historic honor belongs to Ryan Donato. On October 12, 2021, against the Vegas Golden Knights, Donato tipped in a shot from Vince Dunn, sending a ripple of excitement through the building and across the burgeoning fanbase. It was a tangible mark, the first entry in the team's official scorebook, signaling that Seattle was truly open for business in the NHL. Though the Kraken would fall in a tight game, Donato's goal was a monumental step, forever cementing his name in franchise lore as the trailblazer.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Kraken Games Played | 107 |
| Kraken Goals | 27 |
| Kraken Assists | 26 |
| Kraken Points | 53 |
9. First Franchise Win vs. Nashville Predators
After a tough 0-3 start to their inaugural season, the Seattle Kraken desperately needed a win to ignite their journey. They found it on October 14, 2021, against the Nashville Predators. In a gritty road performance, the Kraken secured their first-ever victory, a hard-fought 4-3 triumph. This wasn't just another game; it was proof of concept, a morale boost that validated the franchise's existence and showed the league they could compete. While it was a modest milestone in the grand scheme, this first W was crucial for team confidence and gave the fans their first taste of victory, setting the foundation for future successes.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Date of Win | Oct 14, 2021 |
| Opponent | Nashville Predators |
| Final Score | 4-3 |
| First Season Wins | 27 |
8. Jordan Eberle Becomes First Kraken All-Star
Every new franchise needs its first star, someone to represent the team on the league's biggest stages. For the Kraken, that player was Jordan Eberle, who earned the distinction of being the team's first-ever All-Star in 2022. A veteran forward with a knack for scoring and leadership, Eberle's selection was a testament to his consistent play and the respect he commanded around the league. It provided a much-needed moment of individual recognition for the fledgling franchise, showcasing Seattle's talent to a national audience and giving fans a player to proudly cheer for during the mid-season classic.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| All-Star Selections | 2 (1 w/ Kraken) |
| Kraken Games Played | 227 |
| Kraken Goals | 58 |
| Kraken Assists | 96 |
7. Shane Wright Scores His First NHL Goal
Shane Wright's journey to the NHL was marked by immense hype, a surprising draft slide, and then a patient wait for his opportunity with the Kraken. When he finally got a sustained chance in the 2023-24 season, he didn't disappoint. On October 17, 2023, Wright notched his first NHL goal against the Carolina Hurricanes, a moment that felt like a significant weight lifted off the young center's shoulders. The goal wasn't just a personal milestone; it was a glimpse into the future, validating the Kraken's faith in their top prospect and igniting hope that the highly touted talent was ready to blossom into the star many predicted him to be.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Draft Year/Pick | 2022 / 4th |
| Kraken Games Played | 15 |
| Kraken Goals | 1 |
| Kraken Assists | 1 |
6. Jared McCann's Record-Breaking Scoring Season
Jared McCann arrived in Seattle via the expansion draft and quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the Kraken offense. His 2022-23 season was nothing short of spectacular, as he shattered franchise scoring records, becoming the Kraken's all-time leading goal scorer in just their second year. His blistering shot and relentless drive saw him pot 40 goals, a remarkable feat for a player who often flies under the radar. McCann's consistent offensive output proved that the Kraken had legitimate scoring threats, providing a crucial spark that fueled their playoff run and solidified him as a fan favorite and a foundational piece of the team's identity.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| 2022-23 Goals | 40 |
| 2022-23 Points | 70 |
| Franchise All-Time Goals | 85 |
| Franchise All-Time Points | 141 |
5. Matty Beniers Wins the Calder Memorial Trophy
This is where the future truly arrived for the Seattle Kraken, and with it, a new hero for the Emerald City. Matty Beniers, the Kraken's first-ever draft pick, captivated the league in his rookie season, culminating in him becoming the first player in franchise history to win the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's top rookie. Beniers' smooth skating, exceptional vision, and mature two-way game were evident from his first shift. He wasn't just good for a rookie; he was an impact player who anchored the top line, helping to lead the Kraken to the playoffs. For Seattle fans, Beniers represents everything exciting about this young franchise – a homegrown star who is already delivering on his immense potential and embodying the spirit of a vibrant new hockey market.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| 2022-23 Goals | 24 |
| 2022-23 Assists | 33 |
| 2022-23 Points | 57 |
| Calder Votes (1st Place) | 165/196 |
4. Philipp Grubauer's Playoff Masterclass
Philipp Grubauer's first season with the Kraken was a challenging one, but his redemption arc in the 2023 playoffs was nothing short of heroic. After a solid regular season, Grubauer elevated his game to an elite level when it mattered most, becoming the backbone of the Kraken's improbable playoff run. His acrobatic saves, calm demeanor, and clutch performances consistently stole games and frustrated opponents, particularly the defending champion Avalanche. Grubauer's transformation from a struggling star to a playoff wall was a powerful narrative, proving his critics wrong and showcasing his immense talent, ultimately allowing the Kraken to punch well above their weight.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| 2023 Playoff GAA | 2.44 |
| 2023 Playoff SV% | .914 |
| 2022-23 Reg Season Wins | 17 |
| 2023 Playoff Wins | 7 |
3. Kraken Clinch First Playoff Berth
The Kraken's inaugural season saw them finish near the bottom of the league, but their sophomore year was a different story entirely. On April 6, 2023, the Seattle Kraken officially clinched their first-ever playoff berth, a monumental achievement for the young franchise. This wasn't just handed to them; it was earned through a season of relentless effort, cohesive team play, and an uncanny ability to win on the road. The playoff berth validated the organization's vision, proving that General Manager Ron Francis's "build-from-within" strategy was working. It ignited a city and set the stage for a thrilling postseason run, marking the Kraken's true arrival as a legitimate contender.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| 2022-23 Regular Season Record | 46-28-8 |
| 2022-23 Division Rank | 4th (Pacific) |
| 2022-23 Total Points | 100 |
| Playoff Appearances | 1 |
2. Pushing Dallas Stars to Game 7 in Round 2
After their stunning upset of the Colorado Avalanche, the Kraken faced another formidable test in the Dallas Stars during the second round of the 2023 playoffs. What followed was an exhilarating, back-and-forth series that pushed both teams to their absolute limits. The Kraken, far from being satisfied with one upset, continued to battle, showcasing their resilience and proving that their success was no fluke. Taking the Stars, a top regular-season team, to a decisive Game 7 demonstrated the Kraken's legitimate threat and gave their fanbase unforgettable memories of deep playoff hockey, solidifying their reputation as a team that simply wouldn't quit.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| 2023 Playoff Round 2 | Lost 4-3 |
| Series Goals For | 21 |
| Series Goals Against | 26 |
| Longest Playoff Run | 2 Rounds |
1. Defeating the Colorado Avalanche in Game 7
Undoubtedly, the greatest moment in Seattle Kraken history so far arrived on April 30, 2023. Facing the reigning Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche in their first-ever playoff series, few gave the Kraken a chance. Yet, through grit, determination, and stellar goaltending, they pushed the series to a decisive Game 7 in Denver. What happened next was pure magic: the Kraken delivered a stunning 2-1 victory, knocking out the defending champions and announcing their presence to the entire hockey world. This monumental upset wasn't just a win; it was an arrival, a statement that the Kraken were here to stay, inspiring an entire city and etching themselves into playoff lore forever.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| 2023 Playoff Round 1 | Won 4-3 |
| Game 7 Final Score | 2-1 |
| Opponent Rank (Central) | 1st |
| Kraken Series Upset Seed | Wild Card 1 |
The Seattle Kraken's journey has been a whirlwind of excitement, growth, and unexpected triumphs, creating an indelible bond with a city that has wholeheartedly embraced its deep-sea dwellers. These moments, from first goals to historic upsets, are more than just statistics; they are the bedrock of a burgeoning hockey culture in the Pacific Northwest. As the Kraken continue to evolve and challenge expectations, the future promises even more unforgettable memories for the passionate fans who now proudly call Climate Pledge Arena their home away from home.