Seattle Kraken: Reflecting on Five Years Since Expansion Draft

Five years ago today, the Seattle Kraken took a monumental step in their journey by selecting their inaugural roster during the NHL expansion draft on July 22, 2021. In an exciting event, the Kraken chose 30 players from every NHL franchise, with the exception of the Vegas Golden Knights, marking the beginning of their quest for success in the league.

Among the players selected, six have remained with the team as of the 2025-26 season, showcasing a blend of stability and change as the franchise has evolved. The Kraken faced challenges in their early years, with their inaugural season in 2021-22 ending with a disappointing record of 27 wins, 49 losses, and 6 overtime losses, totaling just 60 points.

However, the team showed significant improvement in the following season, finishing 2022-23 with a commendable 46-28-8 record and amassing 100 points. This upward trajectory continued to be a mixed bag, with a 34-35-13 record in 2023-24 and a 35-41-6 finish in 2024-25. Last season, the Kraken recorded 34 wins, 37 losses, and 11 overtime losses, bringing their total to 79 points.

Despite these ups and downs, the Kraken have made strides in their development, having reached the playoffs once since the expansion draft in 2022-23, where they went 7-7 in 14 playoff games. As the team continues to grow and build its identity, this anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the historic moment that set the stage for the franchise’s future.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.