The Seattle Kraken are banking on a fresh offensive spark as they head into the 2026‑27 campaign, pinning hopes on a newly formed forward duo that could finally unlock a more potent attack.
General manager Jason Botterill entered the offseason with $18.4 million in cap space, but the market proved tighter than anticipated, leaving the Kraken with only a handful of meaningful signings.
Two of those acquisitions, forward Bobby McMann and rookie Mackie Samoskevich, arrived with sizable contracts — six years and $34.5 million for McMann, and a three‑year, $11.5 million deal for Samoskevich — signaling the team’s intent to invest in home‑grown talent.
Evaluating the Expectations
Both players have shown flashes of promise; McMann posted 14 points in 18 games with Seattle this spring, while Samoskevich’s offensive ceiling remains a ‘wait‑and‑see’ proposition.
Last season the Kraken leaned on veterans Eeli Tolvanen, who contributed 36 points, and Jaden Schwartz with 26, yet the overall production lagged behind rivals, leaving the club outside the playoff picture for much of the year.
Analysts have projected that a combined 55 points from McMann and Samoskevich would represent a measurable upgrade, but not everyone is convinced that the numbers will materialize.
Voices of Doubt
Veterans Alexander MacLean and analyst Adam Proteau have openly questioned whether the new duo can translate contract value into on‑ice impact, citing the team’s history of under‑delivering on free‑agent promises.
The Hockey News recently ranked Seattle’s offseason moves as the fourth‑worst in the league, underscoring the skepticism that surrounds the club’s ability to climb the standings.
With the regular season looming, the Kraken’s management remains focused on chemistry and development, hoping that the added depth will be enough to secure a playoff berth and perhaps exceed the modest expectations set by pundits.