Last season: 34-35-13, missed playoffs. COACH: Dan Bylsma (320-190-55 in 8 seasons with Pittsburgh and Buffalo, 1 Stanley Cup title), hired May 28. SEASON OPENER: Oct.
8 vs. St. Louis.
DEPARTURES: F Pierre-Édouard Bellemare , G Chris Driedger, D Brian Dumoulin, D Justin Schultz, F Kailer Yamamoto, F Tomáš Tatar , coach Dave Hakstol. ADDITIONS: Bylsma, F Chandler Stephenson, D Brandon Montour, D Josh Mahura. GOALIES: Joey Daccord (19-18-11, 2.
46 GAA, 0.916 save percentage) and Philipp Grubauer (14-16-2, 2.85 GAA, 0.
899). BETMGM STANLEY CUP ODDS: 66-1. The organization underwent its first significant shake up following a disappointing third season with the firing of coach Dave Hakstol and the decision to hire former Stanley Cup champion coach Dan Bylsma.
His task will be to bring some punch to an offense that regressed badly last season. His coaching staff includes Jessica Campbell, the first woman to work as an assistant coach on an NHL bench. The Kraken signed center Chandler Stephenson and defenseman Brandon Montour to big contracts in the hope of adding some offense to a team that last year was strong defensively and received terrific goaltending from the combo of Joey Daccord and Philipp Grubauer.
Seattle will need Jared McCann to continue his evolution into a top scorer, could use a rebound season from Matty Beniers and should see the full-time arrival of top prospect Shane Wright. The Western Conference is loaded but Seattle could content for a playoff spot if othe.
