The Early Stages of the Kraken
In late 2018, it was announced that the NHL would have a new hockey team. At the time, there wasn’t much to know about the new addition to the NHL family. But in 2020, it was announced that the team’s name would be called, “Kraken.” At this time, the team logo and jersey were also revealed.
This is the first Seattle-based hockey team to play since the Seattle Totems.
Expected Start Date
Despite knowing that Seattle will begin in the 2021-22 season, nothing is set in stone yet. Because of COVD-19, the NHL has made changes to the schedule. This include beginning the upcoming season on Jan. 13. With this in mind, the season will likely roll into the summer. This could affect the next season.
Despite the factors that will be taken into consideration, the NHL is still planning on a late 2021 or early 2022 start date for the Kraken.
The Team of the Kraken
The Kraken do not have any players assigned to the team. At least, not yet. Right now, the new hockey team has general manager Ron Francis. Also, a few pro scouts have been hired by the team as well.
But how will the Kraken get their players? The form of how they will acquire new players is similar to how the Vegas Holden Knights did. They will choose one player from every NHL team in the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft. There is only one team who will be exempt from this, though. That will be the Golden Knights.
The rules that the Kraken must go by are pretty straightforward when it comes to choosing players. They need to select 14 forwards, 9 defensemen and 3 goaltenders.
However, there are some players exempt from being selected. Players who have no movement clauses during the expansion draft who decline to waive the clause will be protected. Also, any first- or second-year NHL players and unsigned draft picks are also exemptions.
In conclusion, there’s a new NHL team coming. Stay tuned for more information about the Seattle Kraken.
You can “Like” The Game Haus on Facebook and “Follow” us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from other great TGH writers, along with Katelyn!