Kraken Score 16 Different Goals to Reach 8-4-1 Record

Sixteen different players have scored goals for the Seattle Kraken this season. The team stands at 8-4-1 following a win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night. This balanced attack has provided a much-needed lift after the club missed the playoffs for the fourth time in five years.

General manager and executive vice president Jason Botterill attributed the early success to a strong foundation built during a short camp. Many players returned early to acclimate to the season. Coach Lane Lambert is in his second year, which allowed the team to build on last year’s structure rather than implementing a new system from scratch.

The Kraken played seven of their first nine games on the road and finished that stretch 4-2-1. Botterill said the team displayed the speed and attacking style he wanted to see. The Eastern road trip served as a clear example of the club’s intent. The organization relies on four contributing lines rather than a single star scorer.

This approach mirrors the strategy of the reigning Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes. Botterill noted that internal competition is the goal. No one knows which player will contribute offensively on any given night. The group effort has produced results so far, including the work of 19-year-old Berkly Catton.

Catton, the 2024 No. 8 pick, has three goals and nine points in 12 games. Botterill praised Catton’s hockey sense and his recent ability to add speed and strength to his game. The young forward is creating more opportunities than his pure offensive numbers suggest. Another key contributor is Kaapo Kakko, who leads the team with 10 points in 12 games.

Kakko, a reclamation project from the New York Rangers, has found a new level of play. Botterill was impressed by the Finnish winger’s ability to make plays in and around the net. Kakko will play in his home country on November 12 and 14 against the Hurricanes in Finland. The team is also focused on re-signing power-play quarterback Vince Dunn, who is a pending unrestricted free agent.

Dunn is in the final year of a four-year deal with a $7.35 million cap hit. Botterill called Dunn an original Kraken and a vital part of the leadership group. The team also failed to land Artemi Panarin and Jason Robertson in previous windows. Robertson turned down a $125 million, eight-year offer from Seattle. The club continues to look for help on the wings while developing its talented young centermen.

The Kraken are also working with the Sportsology Group, an outside firm led by Mike Forde. The team hired Sportsology following an independent review last spring. The group is helping restructure communication from amateur scouting to the NHL. Botterill said the partnership is designed to help players take the next step in their development.