Rob Simpson, a journalist who has spent five decades chronicling the NHL, steps into the conversation about the Seattle Kraken with a clear disclaimer: he is not here to cheerlead, but to report what the data suggests.
His latest projection, published ahead of the 2026‑27 season, places the Kraken outside the playoff picture, a stance he backs with a straightforward analysis of the team’s current trajectory.
The Numbers Behind the Forecast
The Pacific Division, often labeled the weakest in the league, still presents a steep climb. Teams such as the San Jose Sharks, the Anaheim Ducks and the Calgary Flames are all projected to finish ahead of Seattle, according to the analyst.
What makes the forecast especially sobering is the observation that while the division remains porous, the Kraken have chosen to stand still. Meanwhile, rivals are sharpening their rosters, and the Central Division’s depth continues to improve.
Lineup depth, management moves and the inevitable fatigue of a long grind are cited as the three pillars that could swing the odds. If any of those elements falter, the Kraken could slip further, the author notes.
Simpson does not shy away from his own track record, recalling a recent miss on the Vancouver Canucks’ playoff chances. That experience fuels his hope that this prediction will prove wrong, not for his own credibility, but for the fans who pack the arena night after night.
With training camps slated to open in roughly five weeks, the countdown begins. The next few months will reveal whether the Kraken can defy the numbers or whether the season will end with another early exit.