When the NHL officially welcomed the Seattle Kraken as its 32nd franchise in 2021, the league was not only expanding but also opening a new chapter in hockey history. Seattle, a city already rich in sporting tradition, quickly embraced its newest team. In just a few short years, the Kraken have built an identity that reflects both the rugged spirit of the Pacific Northwest and the energy of a fan base eager to see professional hockey thrive in their city.
Founding the Franchise
The journey toward NHL hockey in Seattle began in 2017 when the city council approved plans to renovate KeyArena, a decision that cleared the path for an expansion bid. By December 2018, the NHL officially granted the city its long-awaited franchise, backed by an ownership group led by David Bonderman and Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer. Around that same period, sports fans across the West Coast were exploring new ways to stay connected to their favourite teams, with many turning to online sportsbooks in California that operate through international platforms. While California hasn’t legalized sports betting yet, plenty of fans still find ways to stay involved by using international platforms that welcome them. Current odds show that the Seattle Kraken are not firm favourites to make the NHL playoffs, with overall expectations being moderate to low. They are expected to finish in the lower third of the Western Conference standings, somewhere between 11th and 15th place. In the Stanley Cup, the Seattle Kraken have long odds (+22500), reflecting their rebuilding status and lower expectations to contend for the championship this season.
Rapid Growth and Early Achievements
Seattle’s second season, 2022–23, showed how quickly the Kraken could develop. The team reached the playoffs for the first time. In the opening round, they defeated the defending champions, the Colorado Avalanche. Rookie Matty Beniers stood out and won the Calder Trophy, with help from Jared McCann and Vince Dunn. Fans visited Climate Pledge Arena and appreciated that it was new and designed with the environment in mind.
Community Impact and Fan Support
From the outset, the Kraken captured the attention of Seattle sports fans. As fans rallied around the team, season tickets sold out quickly. The Kraken’s colours and logo appeared around the city, on merchandise, in bars, and at watch parties. At local events, the Kraken would attend and was seen around the city.
Recent Seasons and Milestones
After the early success, the Kraken experienced ups and downs. They missed the playoffs in 2023–24 and 2024–25 but had notable highlights. During their third season, the team set a new franchise record by winning nine consecutive games. Another memorable moment came in the 2024 Winter Classic, when goalie Joey Daccord earned the first shutout in the event’s history against the Vegas Golden Knights. After three seasons, the team made a coaching change, replacing Dave Hakstol with Dan Bylsma in May 2025 to lead the next chapter.
Conclusion
The Seattle Kraken are a new team in the NHL. They have played in the playoffs. People in Seattle are watching the games, and the Kraken are now a part of the city. Fans are attending games, and the Kraken are now part of Seattle’s sports scene.
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