Seattle Kraken stun early 2025-26 with historic start and new leadership

The Seattle Kraken have made an emphatic statement to start the 2025-26 campaign. After finishing seventh in the Pacific Division last season with a disappointing 35-41-6 record, the franchise has turned things around dramatically. Through their first 10 games, they’ve compiled a 5-2-3 record for 13 points, marking the best start in the team’s five-year history. This remarkable turnaround comes under new leadership, with Jason Botterill stepping into the general manager role and Lane Lambert taking over behind the bench.

The early success has been even more impressive considering the challenges Seattle has faced, including a brutal schedule that featured eight games against playoff teams from last season and a grueling six-game road trip through Canada. Despite these obstacles, the Kraken have found ways to collect points and remain competitive in the tough Pacific Division. Here are the key Seattle Kraken first 10 games of 2025-26 season takeaways that reveal what’s working for this resurgent franchise.

Breaking through with historic milestones

The Kraken’s transformation began on opening night against the Anaheim Ducks. For the first time in franchise history, Seattle won their home opener, defeating Anaheim 3-1 at Climate Pledge Arena. This victory broke a frustrating streak that had seen the team lose all four previous home openers since entering the league in 2021-22. The significance of this win extended beyond the two points in the standings—it signaled a new chapter for the organization.

Following that breakthrough, Seattle continued to deliver statement performances. Their 3-0 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights marked just their fourth win in 16 all-time meetings against their division rivals. The Golden Knights have historically dominated this matchup, making this triumph particularly sweet for Kraken fans. The victory showcased not only improved on-ice performance but also a mental fortitude that had been lacking in previous seasons.

The six-game road trip through Canada tested Seattle’s mettle early in the season. While they suffered overtime losses to both the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators, they still managed to collect crucial points in the standings. The resilience shown during this stretch demonstrated the team’s competitive spirit, even when facing adversity on hostile ice.

Perhaps the most impressive performance came against the Winnipeg Jets on October 23, when Joey Daccord recorded his first shutout of the season in a goaltending duel with Connor Hellebuyck, the reigning Hart Trophy and Vezina Trophy winner. The 3-0 final score didn’t reflect how tight the game was until Seattle added two empty-netters, and Daccord’s 32 saves proved he could match up against the league’s elite netminders. This game exemplified the team’s ability to win different types of games—tight defensive battles as well as high-scoring affairs.

Navigating the injury gauntlet with depth and determination

One of the most revealing Seattle Kraken first 10 games of 2025-26 season takeaways has been the team’s ability to overcome a mounting injury list. The adversity began before the season even started, when Kaapo Kakko suffered a broken hand during a preseason game, robbing the top six of a key addition acquired from the New York Rangers. Defenseman Ryker Evans also went down during the preseason with an upper-body injury, creating a hole on the blue line.

As the regular season progressed, the injury situation worsened. Jared McCann, one of the team’s most consistent offensive threats, was sidelined with an injury that opened opportunities for younger players. Frederick Gaudreau, a veteran presence acquired in the offseason, suffered an upper-body injury after just four games and faces a four-to-six-week absence. At one point during the first 10 games, Seattle had six players out of the lineup simultaneously, forcing the coaching staff to get creative with their lineups.

The response from the organization has been nothing short of impressive. General manager Jason Botterill emphasized the team’s mentality: “That’s probably what I’m most proud of right now. They understand they’re still a work in progress. Our individuals are a work in progress, and our team is a work in progress.” This acknowledgment of ongoing development has allowed younger players to step up without overwhelming pressure.

Role players and depth acquisitions have filled the gaps admirably. Mason Marchment, signed as a free agent during the offseason, has contributed five points in nine games while bouncing between the top six and bottom six forward groups. His versatility has proven invaluable, as he can play multiple positions and different styles depending on his linemates. The ability to move Marchment up and down the lineup without losing effectiveness has given Lambert crucial flexibility in managing minutes and matchups.

Ryan Lindgren, another offseason defensive addition, has provided exactly what Seattle needed on the blue line. While his single assist through 10 games doesn’t jump off the stat sheet, his defensive impact tells a different story. Averaging 18:33 of ice time per game—nearly a full period—Lindgren has anchored the second defensive pairing with a minus-1 rating. His steady presence has allowed more offensive-minded defensemen to take calculated risks, knowing Lindgren can cover for them defensively.

The goaltending situation remains a work in progress

Among the Seattle Kraken first 10 games of 2025-26 season takeaways, perhaps none is more perplexing than the three-goaltender experiment. After Joey Daccord carried an unsustainable workload last season while Philipp Grubauer struggled to the point of being sent to the AHL on a conditioning stint, the organization attempted to address the issue by bringing in Matt Murray during the offseason. The intention was to create more depth and prevent Daccord from burning out during the long season.

However, the reality has been far different from the plan. Through 10 games, Daccord has appeared in eight contests, posting a 5-1-2 record with a 2.68 goals-against average and .905 save percentage. While these numbers might seem solid on the surface, his performances have been even better than the statistics suggest. His work against elite competition, particularly in the shutout against Winnipeg, has demonstrated his ability to steal games for Seattle.

Meanwhile, Grubauer has appeared in just two games, and Murray has played only once. For the majority of games, one of these expensive goaltenders has been either sitting on the bench or serving as a healthy scratch. This situation raises questions about roster construction and asset management, particularly given the salary cap implications of carrying three NHL-caliber goaltenders.

The concern moving forward is sustainability. Most successful NHL teams operate with a two-goaltender tandem that splits starts relatively evenly, typically somewhere between a 60-40 and 55-45 split. By playing Daccord in 80 percent of their games through the first 10 contests, Seattle is setting themselves up for potential issues down the stretch. Fatigue could become a factor, or worse, a Daccord injury would leave the team relying on goaltenders who haven’t seen enough game action to maintain sharpness.

Lambert’s reluctance to trust either Grubauer or Murray speaks volumes about the state of Seattle’s goaltending depth. While Daccord has certainly earned the starting role through his performances, the inability or unwillingness to give him adequate rest could prove costly as the season progresses. The Kraken need to find a way to get their backup goaltenders more work, even if it means occasionally giving them starts in winnable games.

Offensive contributions emerging from unexpected sources

The offensive production through Seattle’s first 10 games represents one of the more encouraging Seattle Kraken first 10 games of 2025-26 season takeaways. Veterans Jaden Schwartz and Jordan Eberle have led the charge, with Schwartz collecting nine points (four goals, five assists) and Eberle adding eight points (four goals, four assists). Their consistency has provided the foundation for Seattle’s attack, giving younger players confidence to contribute without feeling the entire offensive burden falls on their shoulders.

Brandon Montour’s return to the lineup after taking a four-game leave of absence following the death of his older brother, Cameron, showcased both his personal strength and his importance to the team. In his second game back, Montour scored twice and added an assist as the Kraken mounted a furious third-period comeback against Montreal, erasing a 3-0 deficit to force overtime. Through six games played, he’s accumulated seven points (two goals, five assists), providing the kind of offensive punch from the blue line that Seattle desperately needed.

The young core is beginning to show signs of development as well. Matty Beniers (one goal, five assists) and Shane Wright (three goals, three assists) each have six points through 10 games. While neither has emerged as a dominant force yet, both are contributing consistently and showing flashes of the high-end skill that made them top-five draft picks. The Kraken’s success doesn’t hinge on either player becoming a superstar overnight, but rather on their continued growth and development.

Perhaps the most exciting storyline has been rookie Berkly Catton’s emergence. Selected eighth overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, Catton was a healthy scratch for several games before McCann’s injury created an opportunity. Thrust onto the first line alongside Beniers and Eberle, the 19-year-old has responded with three assists in his first five NHL games. His 13:53 average ice time and plus-2 rating suggest he’s holding his own against NHL competition, even if he hasn’t found the scoresheet consistently yet.

Botterill acknowledged the importance of this youth development: “If we’re going to have success with our organization, we have to continue to develop our younger players. It’s just not the rookies. It’s a Matty Beniers. It’s a Kakko.” This philosophy of patient development, rather than expecting immediate superstar production, has created an environment where young players can grow without crushing pressure. Similar to how the expansion draft shaped Seattle’s initial roster construction, the current approach focuses on building sustainable success through player development.

Lane Lambert’s defensive structure taking shape

The hiring of Lane Lambert as head coach represented a clear philosophical shift for the organization. Known for his emphasis on defensive structure and attention to detail, Lambert has begun implementing systems that prioritize limiting quality chances against rather than simply focusing on offensive output. The early results have been promising, with Seattle ranking 11th in the NHL in goals against per game at 2.80 through 10 games.

Lambert’s integration of his coaching staff has been particularly noteworthy. Assistant Jessica Campbell and head of player strategy Justin Rai have taken on significant responsibilities for offensive development and strategy, while assistants Aaron Schneekloth and Chris Taylor, both with extensive AHL experience, have focused on player development. This division of responsibilities has allowed Lambert to concentrate on the defensive side while ensuring the offensive systems continue to evolve.

The improvement in defensive play hasn’t come at the cost of offensive creativity, though the team’s offensive numbers suggest there’s still work to be done. Seattle is tied for 23rd in the NHL at 2.80 goals per game, indicating that while they’ve tightened up defensively, they haven’t yet found the right balance. Their 29th-ranked penalty kill at 64.0 percent represents a significant area for improvement, particularly given Lambert’s reputation for building strong special teams units.

The coaching staff’s emphasis on individual player development has resonated throughout the roster. Botterill noted, “We’ve had a huge focus in our group here on individual player development. Our coaching staff has bought into that, and I give our players credit, because they’ve also bought into that. That’s what we’re continuing to work at right now.” This approach suggests the organization is thinking long-term, willing to accept some growing pains in pursuit of sustainable improvement.

Lambert’s direct communication style has also helped establish clear expectations. Players understand their roles and what’s required of them defensively, even as they’re encouraged to take chances offensively when appropriate. This clarity has been particularly beneficial for younger players who are still learning what it takes to succeed at the NHL level. The structured environment allows them to play with confidence, knowing exactly what the coaching staff expects in different situations.

Looking ahead with cautious optimism

As Seattle navigates the remainder of their schedule, the foundation laid during these first 10 games will be tested repeatedly. The Pacific Division remains one of the most competitive in the NHL, with the Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton Oilers, and other powerhouses presenting formidable challenges. The Kraken’s ability to collect points against these opponents will ultimately determine whether they can make a legitimate playoff push or fall short once again.

The return of injured players like Kakko, McCann, and Gaudreau will provide a significant boost to the lineup. When fully healthy, Seattle will have legitimate depth throughout their forward group and on the blue line. The question is whether they can maintain their current pace while integrating these players back into the lineup, and whether the chemistry developed during their absences can be preserved.

November presents an immediate test, with 14 games including challenging matchups against the New York Rangers, Dallas Stars, and a rematch with Winnipeg. The team’s performance against quality opponents will reveal whether their early success represents genuine improvement or simply good fortune. The schedule includes multiple back-to-back sets, which will force Lambert to rely more heavily on his goaltending depth—a situation that could expose the three-goaltender experiment’s flaws.

The organization’s realistic self-assessment may be their greatest asset moving forward. Rather than declaring victory after a strong start, both management and players recognize significant room for improvement. Their 5-on-5 shot attempt percentage of 45.0 percent ranks 29th in the league, suggesting they’re being outplayed at even strength despite their record. The power play sits at a respectable but not exceptional 20.0 percent, tied for 18th. These metrics indicate that Seattle has been winning despite some underlying concerns, which could be sustainable if they address these issues or could lead to regression if left unchecked.

What’s clear from these Seattle Kraken first 10 games of 2025-26 season takeaways is that this franchise has taken meaningful steps forward. The combination of improved defensive structure, opportunistic offensive contributions, and a resilient mentality has created a winning formula. Whether they can maintain this level of play over an 82-game season remains to be seen, but for now, Seattle has proven they’re a team to be taken seriously in the competitive Pacific Division. The journey ahead will test their depth, their systems, and their resolve, but they’ve earned the right to dream bigger than they have in recent years.