The NHL has officially set the stage for its first-ever 84-game regular season, a serious jump that will kick off on September 29. While more hockey is always a good thing for us fanatics in the Emerald City, there's a nagging headline swirling from the league's top news that hits a little different for Kraken fans: our team is still unable to land those big stars. It's tough to hear as the calendar flips towards a brand new, longer season, and it definitely puts a unique spin on the anticipation for what's to come.
The Long Haul Ahead
The league's announcement about the 2026-27 schedule is a massive shift, ushering in an 84-game marathon. That's two more regular season games than we've been used to, adding an extra layer of grit and endurance to an already demanding sport. On opening night alone, ten teams are slated to hit the ice, setting an immediate pace for the league. We're all on pins and needles waiting for the full schedule reveal, which is set to drop tomorrow, Thursday, at 1 p.m. ET. That's when we'll finally see the path our Kraken will have to navigate. An 84-game slate means more opportunities for electric nights at Climate Pledge Arena, more chances for Joey Daccord to stand on his head, and more battles for Matty Beniers, Jordan Eberle, and Jared McCann to lead the charge. It's a true test of stamina, and every player on the roster, from Vince Dunn on defense to Chandler Stephenson up front, will feel the impact of that extended schedule.The Star Search That Wasn't
But let's be real, Seattle. The biggest takeaway for us right now, nestled in those "top news" headlines, is that the Kraken were "Unable to Land Big Stars." Oof. It's a gut punch, especially when every fan is looking for that game-changing addition, that marquee name to push us to the next level. We have fantastic talent on this team, guys like Adam Larsson and Brandon Montour holding down the blue line, and explosive forwards like Berkly Catton, Kaapo Kakko, and Tye Kartye ready to make their mark. Jordan Eberle is our captain, a seasoned leader. But the idea that we couldn't reel in a "big star" still leaves a void, a question mark hanging over the team's ceiling for this demanding 84-game season. It makes you wonder what kind of impact this might have for the team’s prospects.What's Next for the Emerald City
So, as we wait for the complete picture of the 2026-27 season to unfurl tomorrow, the excitement is definitely mixed with a dose of reality. The NHL is expanding its season, demanding more from every franchise and every player. For our Kraken, with this "top news" about missing out on big stars, it means the onus falls even more heavily on the shoulders of the talented roster we already have. It's going to be on Beniers, McCann, Daccord, and the rest of the crew to step up and prove that this team has what it takes, regardless of who *didn't* sign. We'll be watching every single game, cheering every single shift, and hoping this tight-knit squad can show the league what the Emerald City is really made of, star or no star. Get ready, because September 29 is coming fast.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.