The Seattle Kraken entered the 2023‑24 season with a clear hierarchy between veteran netminder Philipp Grubauer and emerging backup Joey Daccord, but the balance shifted dramatically as the campaign progressed.
The Weight of Expectation
Grubauer’s performance in the postseason last year was nothing short of a revelation, as he backstopped the Kraken through a grueling seven‑game series against the Colorado Avalanche and posted a .903 save percentage with a 2.99 goals‑against average.
What set his run apart was not just raw numbers but the volume of work he handled, a workload he said never felt draining because the coaching staff gave him regular ice time and clear communication about rest cycles.
That same communication helped Daccord recover from a subpar 2023‑24 stretch, allowing the coaching staff to distribute minutes in a way that kept both goalies fresh and ready for playoff pressure.
Backup Plans and Budget Realities
Heading into the stretch run, the Kraken’s playoff hopes hinge on two intertwined factors: Daccord’s ability to return to form and Grubauer’s capacity to maintain a high‑pressure workload without burning out.
The financial landscape adds another layer of urgency. Grubauer is slated to finish a six‑year, $35 million contract that expires soon, and Seattle’s budget constraints make a re‑signing increasingly unlikely.
If the club cannot lock him in, the front office may explore trade options before the deadline, turning an expiring contract into assets that could bolster other areas of the roster.
Age, at 35, compounds the risk; the netminder’s prime years are waning, and any long‑term commitment would need to align with a contender’s championship window.
Looking Forward
The organization’s immediate focus is to keep the netminder healthy, manage his workload, and ensure that Daccord receives the playing time needed to regain his rhythm.
If the plan succeeds, Seattle could secure a deep playoff run; if not, the team may have to pivot quickly, potentially moving assets at the trade deadline to address gaps elsewhere.