SEATTLE — The Seattle Kraken returns to the ice at Climate Pledge Arena on Tuesday to get the 2024-25 National Hockey League (NHL) season underway against the St. Louis Blues.
The organization enters a new era with Dan Bylsma taking over as the second-ever Kraken head coach after a stellar run with Seattle's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds.
Many of the key players from last season's team are back in the fold, along with a few notable free agents who signed contracts with the Kraken this offseason. Here's what fans should know as hockey season arrives.
Who are the Kraken players to watch in the 2024-25 season?
The organization gave Matty Beniers a contract worthy of a star in September, and the 21-year-old is the unquestioned face of a roster looking to get back to the postseason after falling short of expectations a season ago. Beniers' numbers were down compared to his rookie of the year campaign in 2022-23, so his third full season will be about becoming the elite player the franchise believes he is.
Joining Beniers on the first line likely will be Jared McCann and Jordan Eberle. The Kraken ranked 29 out of 32 NHL teams in goals last season, so an improved offense is the top overall priority for Seattle. The team's two top free agent signings both are expected to help with that: Brandon Montour from the defending league champion Florida Panthers and former Vegas Golden Knights forward Chandler Stephenson.
One player's development that will be carefully monitored is that of Shane Wright. The organization's No. 4 overall draft pick in 2022, Wright played in just eight NHL games last season. One of the top prospects in hockey, Wright's ceiling is sky-high and he will now get to continue working in Seattle with his coach with the Firebirds in Bylsma.
Who is on the new Kraken coaching staff?
Bylsma did have NHL head coach experience prior to his recent stint in southern California, even helping lead the Pittsburgh Penguins to a Stanley Cup title in 2009. The Firebirds appeared in consecutive league championship series under Bylsma, and he got the chance to work closely with many of the current members of the Kraken who have developed up through the organization.
He also is helping make NHL history in making one of his Firebirds assistants, Jessica Campbell, the first full-time female assistant coach in the league. Dave Lowry does return after one season coaching under Dave Hakstol and brings a strong background in hockey to the Kraken bench.
What are the most significant games in the 2024-25 season?
Seattle will kick off the season with a nationally-televised home clash against the Blues at 1:30 p.m. PT at Climate Pledge Arena on Oct. 8. Like the Kraken, the Blues finished fifth in its division last season and will be looking to get back into the playoffs.
On Nov. 30, local fans can get a first glimpse at 2024 No. 1 overall draft pick Macklin Celebrini and the San Jose Sharks. After a brutal season, the Sharks landed the top selection and brought in Celebrini, who grew up in the Bay Area. Celebrini dominated college hockey as a freshman a year ago and could make an immediate impact on the Pacific Division.
The defending champion Florida Panthers make the yearly trip to Seattle on Dec. 10, where they will get their first matchup against former teammate Montour. Florida plays among the most physical brands of hockey in the league, so expect some chippy moments when these teams collide.
As the calendar year winds down, Seattle fans get to see the league's newest identity in the Utah Hockey Club on Dec. 30. Formerly the Arizona Coyotes, this franchise relocated to Salt Lake City in the offseason and will be without a mascot for its first season. This could be a burgeoning rivalry, as Utah will be the closest team to Seattle in the United States (the Vancouver Canucks play just a few hours up Interstate 5 across the U.S.-Canada border).
The first chance to see the league's best player at Climate Pledge Arena will come in early January. Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers will play in Seattle on Jan. 4. The Oilers came up just short of a historic comeback in the Stanley Cup Final, and will be eyeing another deep playoff run in 2024-25.
What new food will be available at Kraken home games this season?
Fans making the trek to Climate Pledge Arena will have the opportunity to try a vast array of menu options. Some of this year's arrivals include the Dumpling House, District 206's new Mexican options and the footlong Corn Dog.
How to watch the Kraken on KING and KONG
Over 70 games will be televised exclusively on either KING or KONG in the 2024-25 season. The majority will be available on KONG. Kraken fans in the Portland area can watch on TEGNA's KGW and fans in the Spokane area can watch on TEGNA's KREM.
Throughout the season, Kraken Home Ice will be KING's weekly show highlighting the team's play and delivering exclusive interviews and content. The show will air on Saturday nights at 10:30 p.m. on KONG and streaming on KING 5+.