Kraken Additions Hint at Identity Change
Hit Em' High, Hit Em' Low. Just Hit Them.
When Jason Botterill was named the new general manager of the Seattle Kraken with Ron Francis moving up the chain to team president, fans were naturally skeptical of the changes. After an awesome playoff run with balanced scoring and strong defense in 2022-23, the Kraken regressed and fired Dave Hasktol as coach after the 2023-24 season. Enter Dan Bylsma and further regression by the defense with the hopes that the offense would make up for it. It did not and Disco Dan only lasted one year. Sadly, more missed playoffs, more inconsistency, and more disappointment.
The constant in this turmoil? Ron Francis.
With Francis still in the fold and actually getting promoted, skeptics felt that the Kraken wouldn’t look any different in 2025-26. Botterill seemed like a mere figurehead for change, rather than someone who could insitute a new vision. And maybe that is still true. Or maybe Francis and Botterill are working together on this new vision. Either way, it is clear the Kraken are searching for an identity unlike last year’s.
The Kraken want to be more defensive minded and a whole hell of a lot tougher.
This transition began with the hiring of Lane Lambert as coach. The team and Lambert himself can say whatever they want about developing young players (which needs to happen clearly), but Lambert’s greatest strength lies in his attention to the defensive end. In the opening press conference, Botterill said of the Lambert hiring: “Lane’s track record as a really good defensive coach, PK (penalty kill) coach, is certainly there.” Teams under Lambert’s direction have improved both in goals allowed and in penalty kill efficiency, whether as a head coach or assistant coach. Even Lambert’s offensive philosophy requires toughness. He spoke in the opening press conference about guys being at the net and shooting pucks. It wasn’t about creativity of attack; it was about getting in front of the net and being aggressive.
With Lambert in the fold, the Kraken had to create a roster of tougher players. The roster turnover began with the acquisition of Mason Marchment from the Dallas Stars. Botterill immediately referenced Marchment’s toughness in describing why the Kraken were interested in left winger.
“I think Mason has a unique combination of size, skill and strength,” Botterill said. “He works well down in the corners and around the net.”
At 6-5, Marchment certaintly looks intimidating. And his style of play matches that perception. Marchment describes himself as an enormous “jerk” on the ice. Marchment said: “I just try to get in the other team’s face and score some goals while I’m at it.” Marchment can be critiqued for penalties and rough play, but if the Kraken want toughness, they found it in Marchment.
The second acquisition in the offseason was actually more of a dump. The Kraken traded Andre Burakovsky to the Chicago Blackhawks for Joe Veleno on June 21st. While Seattle did acquire a player in the deal, the shedding of Burakovsky’s contract was the real prize. (In fact, the Kraken already released Veleno). The cap space created by dealing Burakovsky was paired with the fact that he was a finesse player. In over 1100 minutes on the ice, Burakovsky had 33 hits. In contrast, Marchment had 79 hits in just over 900 minutes. The Kraken want to be tougher and more physical.
Lastly, Seattle traded for forward Frederick Gaudreau from the Minnesota Wild for a 4th round draft pick. Here is what Botterill said about Gaudreau: “Frederick’s a versatile skater who plays a strong two-way game. He gives us depth down the middle and has the ability to produce offensively. He’s a player that can be trusted on the defensive side of the puck, especially on the penalty kill.” Gaudreau fits the model of a more physiscal, defensive-minded team. Given Lambert’s expertise in the penalty kill, this move makes a ton of sense.
Are the Kraken done this offseason? Absolutely not. Expect more roster turnover, maybe even a big move. However, the constant is that Botterill will be building a physical, tough roster.