Seattle Kraken 2026–27 Outlook: Can a Young Core Sustain a Playoff Push?
The Seattle Kraken enter 2026–27 with a more specific challenge than simply proving they can contend. They were in a playoff position before the Olympic break last season, then faded badly enough to miss the postseason for a third consecutive year.
What happened
Seattle did not respond with a full roster teardown. Management instead added speed and depth around a young forward group, including Bobby McMann and Mackie Samoskevich, while relying on another year of development and greater comfort in Lane Lambert’s system. The roster could feature seven or eight forwards age 23 or younger on opening night, a profile that creates both upside and volatility.
Why it matters
The Kraken’s first half showed that the basic structure can work. Their collapse showed that sustaining it across an 84-game schedule requires more scoring depth, better recovery from difficult stretches and dependable special teams. A young roster can improve quickly, but it must also learn how to stop a losing run before it becomes an eleven-game slide.
What to watch next
Watch whether Seattle creates more offense without sacrificing its defensive identity, and whether the young forwards remain productive after the early schedule settles. The goaltending must also provide stability. If the Kraken can hold their level through injuries and travel, the playoff conversation will feel much more credible than it did a year ago.
Source: NHL.com Seattle outlook.
