Hello Everyone,
I want to thank you for being loyal die-hard Krakheads. This season played a lot with our emotions and was tiring to say the least. After being at the top of the division most of the season, we slipped and fell out of first in the last few weeks. Following that, we entered into the first round with our heated rivals the Calgary Flames and went down 3-0 right away. This was too big of a hole to dig out of, but I will have an article on that in the near future. Our boys played hard, they tried, but it simply wasnt enough. I want to thank the team, coaches and staff on a very tough season.
With that, we start looking ahead. As mentioned at the start of last year, we are going through a changing of the guard in Seattle. The following players will be allowed to walk as UFA's and test the market, and we wish them the absolute best:
- E. Malkin - Our fearless leader, the time has come to move on. You brought a lot to our squad, but we need to grow without you. Godspeed.
- J. Drouin - We thought we could re-ignite the magic you had with Nate back in JR, but clearly only one person has the magic left. Godspeed.
- P. Marroon - You are a warrior. Please sign in the East.
When making changes like this, you know there are more to come. Rip the bandaid off so to speak Thus, do not expect to see the following players in a Kraken jersey next year, will be sold to the highest bidder by the draft:
- Ryan Kesler - Brought in for the playoff push. Add this 81 OV vet (last year of contract) to your team now. 90 DF.
- Dustin Byfuglien - His time as a Kraken is over. 82 OV (last year of contract) to your team, will put up points and intimidate the opponent.
- Andre Burokovsky - Being re-rated, going to have 81 SC and 86 PA. This guy will add some crazy spark to you offence.
- Zach Kassian and Andrew Shaw - Looking to add some sandpaper, look no further than these two. Beef up that fourth line with these guys.
The Kraken are committed to building around our new core. We have some exciting young players who started to show what they could do in the playoffs once Geno went down. We look forward to locking them up long term and having a foundation for years to come.
Enjoy the offseason Kraken fans, I know we will!