The Seattle Kraken finished the 2025‑26 campaign 11 points shy of a playoff spot, a disappointment that has lingered through the offseason.
At the Olympic break in February the team sat third in the Pacific Division, hinting at a promising trajectory that ultimately unraveled.
Captain Jordan Eberle opened up about the team's frustration, saying the club showed it could win for three‑quarters of the schedule but collapsed in the final stretch.
A Season of What‑Ifs
Defenseman Brandon Montour pointed to a missing playoff mentality, emphasizing the need for consistency and confidence as the foundation for a turnaround.
Coach Lane Lambert described the squad as fragile at times, noting that the group thrives on self‑belief and falters when that belief wanes.
The defense struggled with odd‑man rushes and breakaways during the last ten games, a trend that contributed to the points gap.
Montour also highlighted rookie forward Jacob Melanson, whose performance in 36 appearances impressed the coaching staff and offered a glimpse of future depth.
Offseason Outlook
Lambert called for honest self‑reflection over the summer, insisting the organization must address the inconsistencies that have kept it out of the postseason for three straight years under three different coaches.
The front office plans to build on the defensive improvements achieved this season, aiming to translate those gains into a more resilient, playoff‑ready identity.