Kraken Rely on Depth After Failed Star Pursuits

The Seattle Kraken entered the 2026-27 NHL season with a mandate to correct a recent pattern of underachievement. After missing the playoffs for the fourth time in five years, the organization faced a brutally honest news conference last spring. The team responded with an 8-4-1 record following a victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday.

General Manager and Executive Vice President Jason Botterill attributed the early success to continuity and preparation. He noted that many players returned to camp early to acclimate, and that head coach Lane Lambert was in his second year, eliminating the need to implement a new structure. Botterill told The Athletic that building on last year's framework allowed the team to have a strong start.

The roster does not rely on a single offensive superstar. Instead, the Kraken have 16 different players with goals this season. Botterill compared this approach to the Carolina Hurricanes, who also lack an elite scorer but rely on depth. He said the lineup is set up so that any of the four lines can contribute against any opponent.

This summer, the Kraken made quiet moves to reinforce the scoring unit. They re-signed Bobby McMann and traded for and re-signed Mackie Samoskevich. Botterill said these moves created internal competition, making it difficult to predict who would score on any given night. He described the offense as a group effort that has produced success so far.

Young players have benefited from this structure. Berkly Catton, the team's 2024 No. 8 pick, has three goals and nine points in 12 games. Botterill praised Catton's hockey sense and his development in strength and speed. He said Catton creates more opportunities and shows an extra burst on the ice that was not as evident last year.

Veteran Kaapo Kakko leads the team with 10 points, including two goals, in 12 games. The Finnish winger, who was traded from the New York Rangers in December 2024, has improved his ability to create plays around the net. Botterill expressed excitement about Kakko's upcoming trip to Finland on Nov. 12 and 14, where the Kraken will face the Hurricanes.

The reliance on depth stems from a challenging summer in free agency. The Kraken attempted to sign Artemi Panarin, who chose not to extend in Seattle. They also had a trade agreement with Dallas Stars star Jason Robertson, but he turned down a contract worth $125 million over eight years. Robertson accepted an average annual value of $15.625 million elsewhere, a move that stung the Seattle organization.

Botterill rejected the narrative that Seattle is an unattractive market. He pointed to free-agent signings Brandon Montour, Chandler Stephenson, and Ryan Lindgren as evidence that players appreciate the resources and excitement in the city. He said that once players arrive, they understand the value of the organization.

The Kraken are now focused on re-signing Vince Dunn, a pending unrestricted free agent. Dunn is in the final year of a four-year contract with a $7.35 million cap hit. As a key element of the power play and leadership group, his return is a priority. Botterill said the team is in contact with Dunn's agent and values his passion for the organization.

While Botterill continues to explore acquisition options ahead of the March 1 trade deadline, he said the primary focus remains on internal development. The organization hired the Sportsology Group, led by former Chelsea director Mike Forde, to assist with this process. Forde and his staff are now partners in improving communication lines from amateur scouting to the NHL. Botterill said this collaboration helps players take the next step in their careers and supports the team's long-term growth.