The Seattle Kraken are entering the offseason after failing to secure a playoff spot for another season, leading to significant organizational changes. Following the departure of former GM Ron Francis, the team faces crucial decisions regarding their roster as they aim to improve without undergoing a full rebuild. Key focuses include retaining or replacing pending free agent forwards, assessing the future of Shane Wright, and enhancing their offensive creativity while upgrading defensive depth.

By the Numbers
  • Bobby McMann scored 10 goals in 18 games after joining the Kraken, giving him a total of 29 goals this season, ranking fourth among pending unrestricted free agents.
  • The Kraken finished 28th in the league for goals scored during the 2025-26 season, marking their third year in the bottom five for scoring.
Yes, But

While the Kraken have invested in players to improve scoring, they risk being held back by their inconsistent offensive output and dependence on a committee approach that hasn’t yielded positive results consistently. Additionally, trading Shane Wright could address immediate needs but also risks losing a young talent with potential upside.

State of Play
  • Seattle has over $28 million in cap space available for the upcoming season, providing flexibility for roster adjustments.
  • Jaden Schwartz and Eeli Tolvanen, who are pending free agents, will factor heavily into the team’s decision-making process.
What's Next

The Kraken are likely to prioritize retaining McMann and addressing their forward depth through trades or free agency. Decisions regarding Shane Wright will determine future strategies, potentially opening avenues to acquire more scoring power. The team must also seek defensive improvements to enhance overall roster stability.

Bottom Line

To elevate their competitive standing, the Kraken must focus on maintaining key scorers, reassess their strategy with Shane Wright, and bolster both their offensive and defensive lines. Quick, strategic moves are essential to avoid falling behind in an increasingly competitive league.