Seattle Awarded 32nd NHL Franchise 2018

Lore & Background

Professional ice hockey in Seattle dates to the formation of the Pacific Coast Hockey Association's Seattle Metropolitans in 1915. Although the 1917 Metropolitans were the first United States-based team to win the Stanley Cup, the team's arena was sold in 1924, and the team folded shortly thereafter. The Seattle Totems (originally the Seattle Ironmen) played in the Western Hockey League from 1944 until the league's dissolution in 1975. On December 4, 2018, the NHL Board of Governors voted unanimously to approve the addition of a Seattle expansion team to the league. The Seattle ownership group was represented by David Bonderman and Jerry Bruckheimer. In mid-2019, the organization hired Ron Francis as their general manager. In July 2020, the franchise announced their team name—the Seattle Kraken—as well as their team colors, branding, and home jersey. On April 30, 2021, the franchise paid the final installment of the $650 million expansion fee, officially making the Seattle Kraken the 32nd team of the NHL.

Reader's Guide

The Kraken struggled during their inaugural season and finished last in the Pacific Division with 60 points. During the 2022–23 season, the team achieved a record of 46–28–8 and 100 points, securing fourth place in the Pacific Division and the first playoff wild card spot in the Western Conference. During the playoffs, the Kraken faced off against the Colorado Avalanche in the first round. They upset the Avalanche in seven games, becoming the first expansion team to win their first playoff series over the defending Stanley Cup champion. However, they lost to the Dallas Stars in the second round. During the 2023–24 season, the team missed the playoffs, scoring only 217 goals and achieving only 81 points. This caused the Kraken to fire head coach Dave Hakstol and hire Dan Bylsma. During the 2024–25 season, the team regressed, managing only 76 points. Following the season, the Kraken once again fired their head coach, parting ways with Bylsma and hiring Lane Lambert. The team also replaced general manager Ron Francis with Jason Botterill, making Francis the Kraken's president of hockey operations. The team finished the 2025–26 season with 79 points, missing the playoffs once again.

Did You Know?

• Matty Beniers, the Kraken's first-ever draft pick, won the Calder Memorial Trophy as NHL rookie of the year at the end of the 2022–23 season.
• The Kraken retired jersey number 32 before their first home game to honor the 32,000 fans who placed deposits for tickets on the first possible day.